Authored by: Bryan Lachapelle, President & CEO
Guest Wifi is part of what makes a care home feel welcoming. It helps families stay connected during visits. It gives vendors and temporary staff quick access to the internet. Most people expect it to be there. But what many don’t realize is how risky it can be.
A shared Wifi password, one that has been passed around for years, is a soft spot in many networks. And if a visitor’s phone or laptop is already infected, that little risk becomes a big one. It can open the door to malware, data breaches, and system shutdowns.
One way to fix this? Use a Zero Trust approach.
What Zero Trust Means for Guest Wifi
Zero Trust means not assuming anything is safe just because it’s connected. Every person and every device must prove it’s safe before being allowed access.
In a guest network, this helps protect critical systems like your EMR, nurse call, or internal email. Even if someone connects with a compromised device, that threat stays locked in its own lane and can’t reach the tools your staff depend on.
Why This Matters for Business
A secure guest Wifi setup is more than an IT upgrade. It’s a way to protect your reputation, avoid downtime, and stay compliant with privacy rules.
Think about what happened with Marriott. Attackers got into their system through a third-party access point and exposed personal data from millions of guests. While not a Wifi issue directly, it shows how dangerous an open door can be. A Zero Trust setup would have stopped the threat from spreading.
How to Set Up a Safer Guest Network
1. Keep Guest Traffic Completely Separate
Start by creating a separate network just for guests. Use a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) that has its own IP range. This way, guest devices can never talk to staff computers or systems.
Set firewall rules to stop guests from accessing anything except the public internet. Even if malware sneaks in, it won’t get very far.
2. Use a Captive Portal Instead of a Shared Password
A shared password is easy to leak, hard to track, and harder to take away from just one person. A better option is a professional captive portal.
When someone connects to your Wifi, they are sent to a web page first. There, they can log in with a code that expires after a set time. Or they can enter their name and email to get access. Some systems even send a one-time password by text message.
This gives each guest their own session, and gives you a way to see who’s connected.
3. Add a Gatekeeper with Network Access Control
A captive portal helps control access, but a Network Access Control (NAC) system takes it further. It checks every device before it’s allowed to connect.
If a guest’s laptop has no firewall or needs a security update, NAC can block access or send them to a page with update links. This keeps weak devices off your network.
4. Limit Time and Bandwidth
Not every guest needs the same access. A contractor doesn’t need all-day internet. A visiting family member only needs to check their email.
Set automatic timeouts so connections don’t stay open forever. Use bandwidth limits so the guest network doesn’t get bogged down by video streaming or large downloads. These small controls help keep business operations running smoothly.
The Bottom Line: Safe, Simple, and Professional
Zero Trust guest Wifi is not just for hospitals or large corporations. It’s now a basic best practice for any care facility.
It protects your residents’ information. It keeps your staff systems safe. And it shows visitors that your team cares about doing things right.
Want help making this easy? Support is available for setting up guest Wifi that’s safe, simple, and worry-free. Reach out to learn more.
