Although you’ll get faster speeds using an Ethernet connection, you can’t deny the convenience of Wi-Fi. While this technology allows you to connect numerous devices around your home, from laptops and cell phones to security cameras and streaming sticks, it’s not without its flaws. Aside from slower speeds, the main concern with Wi-Fi is that it makes it easier for other users (perhaps unwanted users or devices) to connect to your network.
Consider the information on Wi-Fi connected devices and how much of that information is accessible if someone accesses your Wi-Fi network. credit card numbers, bank records, Login credentialslive camera feed.
A secure home network reduces the risk of being hacked or having someone access your sensitive information. Not only that, but it keeps away unwanted and unauthorized users and devices that slow down your connection speed or freeload the internet service you paid for.
Creating and maintaining a secure home Wi-Fi network is very easy. Here are 10 tips to protect your network. Some are more effective than others at keeping hackers and freeloaders at bay, but all are useful in their own way.
Please keep in mind that nothing can guarantee absolute security against hacking attempts. However, these tips will make it harder for someone to compromise your network and data. (See below for more Wi-Fi tips. How to tell if your internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and our Tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection).
Home How to protect your Wi-Fi network
Here are the basics for securing your home Wi-Fi network: Continue reading below to learn more about each.
1. Place your router in a central location.
2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often.
3. Change the default router login credentials.
Four. Turn on your firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.
Five. Create a guest network.
6. Use a VPN.
7. Keep your router and devices up to date.
8. Disable remote router access.
9. Check connected devices.
Ten. Please upgrade to a WPA3 router.
Place your router in a central location
Strong network security starts with smart setup. If possible, place your router in the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so placing your router in a strategically central location will help you stay connected within range of your home.As a bonus, perhaps Best connection quality.
For example, if Internet in the apartment If your neighbors are right on either side of you, placing your router next to a shared wall can send out a strong and attractive signal. Even if you don’t live in an apartment, good router You can send a signal to your neighbor or across the street. Placing your router in a central location can reduce the distance the signal has to travel outside your home.
Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often
this should It goes without saying, but I mention it here to emphasize its importance. Creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid passwords or phrases that are easy to guess, such as someone’s name, birthday, phone number, or other common information. Simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, but also easier for others to find. (here it is How to access your router settings and update your Wi-Fi password. )
Be sure to change your password every six months or whenever you think the security of your network may have been compromised.
Change default router login credentials
Just like you protect your Wi-Fi network with a password, you also want to make sure that no one has direct access to your router’s settings.
To do so, change the router’s administrator name and password. You can log into your router’s settings by entering the IP address in the URL bar, but most routers and providers have apps that give you access to the same settings and information.
Your router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you don’t know what the default is, you should be able to find it at the bottom of your router. Or, if it has been changed from the default along the way, Here’s how to access your router’s settings Update your username and password.
Turn on firewall and Wi-Fi encryption
Most routers include a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to prevent others from eavesdropping on the data sent and received between the router and connected devices. Both are usually active by default, but you should make sure they are turned on.
Now that you know how to log into your router settings, make sure your firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If it’s turned off for some reason, turn it on. Your network security will thank you.
Create a guest Wi-Fi network
Before sharing access to your main home network, consider the following: Create another guest network For visitors. I’m not saying the guest will try to do anything malicious on her main Wi-Fi connection, but the guest’s device and anything they download while connected to the network will target the network without their knowledge. It may be infected with malware or viruses.
Guest networks are also ideal for IoT devices such as: Wi-Fi camera, thermostat and smart speaker — Devices that may not hold a lot of sensitive information and are probably more easily hacked than smart devices such as computers and phones.
Use a VPN
There are several reasons to use . good vpn, and network security is one of them. A virtual private network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including your browsing data.
A VPN is more useful when connected to a public network, but it can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything else, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but if you pay a little extra (just a few dollars a month), you’ll get better service. Safer service.
Keep your router and devices up to date
Software updates can be annoying, but they have a purpose and often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Let’s say you want to download them.
Keeping your router and connected devices up to date with the latest updates ensures the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. If possible, set your router to update automatically in your administrator settings and periodically check to make sure it’s up to date.
Disable remote router access
Remote router access allows people who aren’t directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access your router’s settings. Unless you need to access your router while you’re away (for example, to check or change the configuration of your child’s connected device), there’s no reason to enable remote access.
You can disable remote access in your router’s administrative settings. Unlike other security measures, disabling remote router access may not be the default.
Check connected devices
Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and see what they are. If you see anything suspicious there, disconnect and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing the password, all previously connected devices must be reconnected, but users or devices that are not authorized to use the network will be booted.
Some devices, especially anonymous IoT devices, may have strange default names consisting of random numbers or characters that you don’t immediately recognize. If you encounter such issues while auditing connected devices, please disconnect them. After that, if you can’t start it, robot vacuum cleaner I can see from my phone what it was.
Upgrade to a WPA3 router
WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should come with WPA3, so you don’t have to worry about buying a new router. However, many people rent routers directly from their providers, so they may not include the latest equipment.
If your router was manufactured before 2018, it may have a WPA2 device that lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search for your device model will tell you when it was released and specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you have a router that supports WPA2, Call your provider and negotiate Ask for a better, newer router.
Network security is not guaranteed
Again, even with the latest and most effective methods of securing your home network, security is never 100% foolproof. As long as the Internet exists, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. However, by using the tips above, you can keep your network more secure from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data.
For more information, please check How to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and Ideal location for your router.
