WiFi Connectivity closed out of fear

[Shirshendu De]

In our organization the WiFi connection is switched off due to the fear of ransomware. Can any one suggest as to what are the risks and how can we manage the risks confidently so that we can open the WiFi facility for all.

[Leo Laohoo]

In our organization the WiFi connection is switched off due to the fear of ransomware. 

Ransomware doesn't just come "in" via wireless. WannaCrypt and (Not)Petya was able to spread using the wired network.  So the wired network needs to be turned off.  

Don't forget the fax machines, too!  

[Shirshendu De]

Yes, it is true but then the objective of the business will be lost and hampered. We want some plans through which we can continue using wifi taking some precautionary measures. Also, if possible comment on the effectiveness of the measures.

[Leo Laohoo]

Also, if possible comment on the effectiveness of the measures.

Without knowing much about your "network", there are volumes upon volumes of publications and tech blogs in the world of internet all discussing about how to combat WannaCrypt, as an example.  

Any sane person would, at least, read one or two of it.  Each article will, most likely, discuss what ingress and infection vector was used by the malware.  

From there on, one can safely start to understand how to minimize the ransomware hitting your "network". 

[Leo Laohoo]

Yes, it is true but then the objective of the business will be lost and hampered.

Not really.  Look at what a big international insurance company recently did (HERE):  They mailed a USB and instructed the customer to insert the drive into a networked computer.  

Stuxnet and WannaCrypt, the ingress vector was via USB.