While it can be difficult to understand why cybercriminals do the things they do, it goes without saying that they are ruthless.
Whether taking advantage of software vulnerabilities, snooping on networks, or committing other dastardly acts, cybercriminals are always on the prowl. So, if you have a rental property and offer internet access to your tenants, you need to be mindful about protecting it.
Offering WiFi without password protection is a no-no since that’s asking for trouble for you and your tenants. Landlords have many responsibilities. If offering internet access, ensuring security is one of these duties.
It makes sense to get whatever help you need as a property owner since you can’t be everywhere at the same time. Even if you want to do it all, time might be an issue, what you don’t know could hurt you, and tenants can drain your energy. A property manager can help, but it's best to find one close to your rental property. Do you have a single-family residence in Sugar Land, Texas? If so, hire a Sugar Land property manager. The same applies if your real estate is based in New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Retain the services of a property management firm nearby.
A property manager will help you prepare the property, vet tenants, collect rent, maintain and repair the property, market vacant units, set rent, and more. While the property manager helps with landlord duties, you’ll have more time to focus on offering fast, reliable, and safe internet access. That’s an amenity that could attract more tenants to your property.
Here are four things to consider if you want to offer safe and secure internet access to your tenants.
1. Use a Business-Grade Router and Modem
If offering internet to tenants, invest in a business-grade router and modem. Business-grade models will offer better bandwidth management, firewall features, and remote monitoring capabilities. It'll make it easier to set usage caps, control traffic, and respond to issues remotely. Getting a better modem and router is worth the premium.
2. Change Default Network Settings
It's also a good idea to change the default network settings on your modem and router. These devices usually come with easy-to-guess usernames, passwords, and network names. Hackers will have an easy time compromising routers and modems with the default settings.
Once you get these devices, replace the default network settings with strong passwords that include lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You can go an extra step by turning off remote management, should you not need it. And make admin access available strictly through a secure login from a device you trust or a wired connection.
3. Provide Clear Internet Usage Guidelines
Tenants need to know that internet usage is a privilege rather than a right. So, as the property owner, you must set clear guidelines and expectations for how tenants should use the internet.
You can include guidelines in the rental agreement or in a separate document so everyone knows proper usage, bandwidth caps if applicable, and banned activities like downloading anything deemed illegal.
4. Limit Bandwidth (News - Alert) and Monitor Usage
It's important to know how tenants use your internet to safeguard against abuse. Some tenants may seek to download massive files or engage in other bandwidth-intensive activities that compromise internet speed for other tenants on the network. That's one reason to invest in a business-grade router. It'll allow you to establish usage caps, prioritize traffic, and monitor bandwidth in real time.
Offering internet access can be a welcome amenity for tenants. But doing so the right way, focusing on safety and security, is essential.
