Watch Guard ensures security with NGFW and UTM

WatchGuard has announced its Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances now offer enhanced guest network access features to allow hospitality organizations 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. While Internet access may be a priority, lax security controls often jeopardize guest network users and create a risky proposition for global travelers wanting to stay connected. A recent WatchGuard survey revealed that 71% 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.

With WatchGuard's new features, hospitality organizations 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.

"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 Scott Robertson, VP, APAC, 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

The survey also found that 51% of global hospitality organizations do not monitor guest networks for suspect applications, malware or malicious activities; 62% do not monitor guest activity to limit bandwidth-intensive applications; and 48% do not use policy mapping or data visualization tools to monitor performance. 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.