Wick Hill is now shipping WatchGuard Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances that offer enhanced guest network access features. These features allow hospitality organisations to quickly and easily provide temporary user passwords to better secure guest Internet and Wi-Fi networks.
Free Wi-Fi was recently rated the most important in-room hotel amenity, above a bathroom with shower and daily housekeeping.[1] While Internet access may be a priority, lax security controls often jeopardise guest network users and create a risky proposition for global travellers wanting to stay connected. A recent WatchGuard survey revealed that 71 percent of global hotels, restaurants and other hospitality organizations do not provide unique temporary user passwords for guest Wi-Fi networks, which could compromise corporate and guest network security.[2]
With WatchGuard’s new features, hospitality organisations can now tailor the user experience with custom hotspot splash pages branded with company logos. They can also provide flexible account options, such as configurable time limits, batch-generated usernames and passwords and password-only voucher options. Liability can also be minimized with custom terms and conditions. Convenience is enhanced by allowing guest administrator roles for non-IT staff to generate accounts.
Ian Kilpatrick, chairman Wick Hill Group, commented:“Everyone is (or should be) aware of the very real dangers of unsecured wireless networks. But of course everyone still uses them. Securing guest networks improves user experience, minimises costly performance upgrades, and is perceived as a real value-add. With strong ROI, this is an important new solution from WatchGuard for wireless and security suppliers to the hospitality industry.”
The WatchGuard survey also found that 51 percent of global hospitality organisations do not monitor guest networks for suspect applications, malware or malicious activities; 62 percent do not monitor guest activity to limit bandwidth-intensive applications; and 48 percent do not use policy mapping or data visualization tools to monitor performance.[3] This lapse of guest Internet and Wi-Fi network visibility and controls can have a significant impact on overall guest network performance and user experience on top of growing security risks.
“Complimentary guest Internet and Wi-Fi network access is definitely a service that people who travel as much as I do have come to expect,” said Dave R. Taylor, vice president of corporate strategy and product management for WatchGuard Technologies. “WatchGuard provides the peace of mind that hospitality organizations need to feel confident that their guest network users are protected and that network security and performance won’t be compromised by uninvited guests. Our customers appreciate the increased visibility into and control over their guest wireless networks delivered by WatchGuard security appliances.”
For more information about Wick Hill, please visit http://www.wickhill.com/company/company-profile
1] Hotels.com: http://ehotelier.staging.wpengine.com/news/2014/04/08/breakfast-is-best-%28and-now-more-important-than-wifi%29
[2] WatchGuard Technologies 2014 Global Hospitality Wireless Network Survey
[3] WatchGuard Technologies 2014 Global Hospitality Wireless Network Survey Resources
