Don’t Ignore These 10 Wi-Fi Network Security Tips
If you’re hosting a party and expect a lot of guests, your first priority may be making sure there’s enough food and drink. But have you ever considered how many unfamiliar devices will join your Wi-Fi network? If these devices are infected with malware, or if any of your guests inadvertently download a virus while connected to the main network, your security could be compromised.
Once a malicious person gains access to your network, they have the potential to access and control any of your connected devices, install malware, and monitor sensitive data like credit card numbers and live cameras.
A secure home network will help reduce the risk of hackers and others accessing your sensitive information. It will also block unwanted or unauthorized users and devices, slow down your connection Or use the internet service you pay for for free.
Below, you’ll find 10 quick and easy steps to protect your home network. Some are more effective than others at stopping hackers and freeloaders, but all are useful in their own way.
It’s worth noting that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hackers. These tricks just make it harder for anyone to compromise your network and data. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out How to tell if your internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and our Tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection).
Tips for keeping your home Wi-Fi network secure
Here are the basics of securing your home Wi-Fi network. Continue reading below for more information.
- Place the router in a central location.
- Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it frequently.
- Change the default router login credentials.
- Turn on firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.
- Create a guest network.
- Use a VPN.
- Keep your router and devices up to date.
- Disable remote router access.
- Verify connected devices.
- Upgrade to WPA3 router.
1. Place the router in a central location
Strong network security starts with optimized settings. If possible, place the router close to the center of the house. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help maintain connectivity throughout your home. As a bonus, it might also help Best connection quality.
For example, if you have Internet in the apartment If your neighbors are to your left and right, placing your router next to a shared wall may send them a strong and enticing signal. one good router Even if you’re not in your apartment, you can cast your signal next door or across the street. Placing the router in a central location reduces the distance these signals have to travel outside of your home. CNET recommends the TP-Link Archer AX21, which performed well in terms of speed and range when we tested it, and featured low latency.
2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it frequently
this should It should go without saying, but I’ll cover it anyway to emphasize its importance: creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is critical to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid using passwords or phrases that are easy to guess, such as someone’s name, birthday, phone number, or other common information. While simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they are also easier for others to guess. You can easily Access your router settings to update your Wi-Fi password.
Oh, and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you suspect your online security may have been compromised. The more frequently you change your password, the less likely you are to be at risk.
3. Change default router login credentials
As with password-protecting your Wi-Fi network, you’ll also want to prevent anyone from directly accessing your router settings.
To do this, go ahead and change the router’s administrator name and password. You can log into your router settings by entering your IP address in the address bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you’re not sure how to determine your IP address, read our guide.
Your router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you’re not sure what the default value is, you should be able to find it on the bottom of your router. Or if the default value was changed somewhere, Here’s how to access your router settings Update username and password.
4. Turn on firewall and Wi-Fi encryption
Most routers have firewalls to protect against outside hackers and Wi-Fi encryption to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on the data sent back and forth between the router and connected devices. Both are usually active by default, but you should check to make sure they are enabled in your router settings.
Now that you know how to log into your router settings, check to make sure firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they are closed for some reason, open them. Your network security will thank you.
5. Create a guest Wi-Fi network
Before sharing access to your main home network, consider Create a separate guest network for visitors. I’m not suggesting that your guests try to do anything malicious through your main Wi-Fi connection, but their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected without their knowledge. of malware or viruses.
Guest networks are also great for your IoT devices, e.g. wireless webcam, smart thermostat and smart speaker – These devices may not hold a lot of sensitive information and may be more susceptible to hacking than smarter devices like computers or phones.
6. Use a VPN
There are several reasons to use a Good VPNand network security is one of them. A Virtual Private Network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data.
VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but if you pay a little extra each month, you can get a more secure service. Other benefits of using a VPN is that it is ideal for streaming media And for online games.
7. Keep your router and devices up to date
Software updates can be annoying, but they 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. Download these regularly to keep them updated.
Keeping your router and connected devices up to date will help ensure you have the best protection against known malware and hacker attacks. If possible, set your router to automatically update in the administrative settings, and check regularly to make sure your router is up to date.
8. Disable remote router access
Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access router settings. Unless you need to access your router while you’re away (such as to check or change the configuration of your child’s connected devices), there’s no reason to enable remote access.
You can disable remote access under the router’s administrative settings. Unlike other security measures, disabling remote router access may not be the default setting.
9. Verify connected devices
Always check the devices connected to your network and verify that you know what they are. If anything in it looks suspicious, disconnect and change your Wi-Fi password. After you change your password, you must reconnect any previously connected devices, but any users or devices that don’t have permission to use your network will get booted.
Some devices, especially obscure IoT devices, may have strange default names containing random numbers and letters that you don’t immediately recognize. If you encounter a similar situation while auditing connected devices, disconnect them. Later, when you can’t start your life robot vacuum cleaner From your phone, you’ll know that’s the way it is.
10. Upgrade to a WPA3 router
WPA3 is the latest router security protocol. All new routers should come with WPA3, so you should have nothing to worry about if you buy a new router. Many people rent routers directly from the providerwhich may not include the latest devices.
If your router was manufactured before 2018, you may have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search for your device model should tell you when the device was released and any specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you have a router that supports WPA2, Call your provider and negotiate Get a better, newer router.
Bottom line? Network security cannot be guaranteed
Likewise, even with the latest and most effective methods of protecting your home network, security can never be 100% certain. As long as there has been the internet, hackers and cybercriminals have found ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better secure your network and prevent anyone from trying to use your connection or access your data.
For more tips, check out How to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and Ideal location for router.
