Shielding Your Networks: 6 Essential Tips for Wi-Fi Security
How essential is your home’s Wi-Fi to your daily routine? Consider this: the vast majority of us depend on it for an array of tasks. Ranging from essential online banking to leisurely watching movies, our Wi-Fi networks are vital. Yet, herein lies a risk. Cybercriminals can exploit Wi-Fi networks. When we fail to protect our networks, we hand them an invitation. They can breach defenses, stealing into devices linked to our Wi-Fi.
So, what’s the remedy? There’s good news. By undertaking a few straightforward security measures, you can shield both your primary and guest Wi-Fi networks from such invasions. We will help you create a secure internet connection.
How to Secure Wi-Fi Network?
#1 Don’t Use Standard Access Options
Central to most Wi-Fi networks in our homes lies a router or a wireless access point. Embedded within these devices, you’ll find a web server alongside web pages designed for users to input details like network addresses and account credentials.
For the sake of security, these administrative interfaces are shielded. A prompt for a username and password ensures that only those with authorization can implement changes within the network’s infrastructure. Take heed, the default login credentials provided by router companies are frequently elementary and widely recognized by online hackers. It’s imperative to alter these presets without delay.
#2 Hide or Change SSID
What does SSID mean for Wi-Fi? Simply put, SSID stands for network name. When we say what is SSID, we mean the name of the network. SSID example: AT&T Wireless, The John Home, Guest Network. Even this information in the hands of a hacker can pose a threat to the network. You can hide the network and connect to it by manually entering the SSID and password. This approach is much safer. But at least your SSID should not be obvious so that a hacker cannot figure out which network is yours. You should also have additional security measures already on the network, like VeePN. It encrypts data and makes it secure.
#3 Enable MAC Address Filtering
Every piece of Wi-Fi equipment has a specific signature, known as a MAC address. This is a critical identifier your router or access point uses to recognize devices. With it, these devices monitor all the MAC addresses of gadgets that request network access. Many Wi-Fi devices allow owners to secure their network by limiting access to a list of known MAC addresses, effectively creating a whitelist of permitted devices.
This can certainly enhance your home network’s security level. However, it might not be as robust as it appears. Why? Because cybercriminals have tricks up their sleeves. They can mimic these MAC addresses with specialized software, allowing them to breach this layer of security with relative ease. Despite its potential, therefore, MAC address filtering alone may not keep out determined hackers.
#4 Turn on Wireless Network Encryption
Maximizing network data protection is crucial, and encrypting your information is a top method. Encryption transforms your data into an unreadable format, thwarting potential hackers.
For your Wi-Fi network at home, prioritize WPA2, renowned for being highly secure. However, remember that devices over a decade old might clash with WPA2’s advanced security features. Encryption can be improved using additional tools. A simple example is the VeePN extension, which establishes an encrypted connection from your device to a VPN server. Even if your Wi-Fi network is hacked, your device will remain safe.
#5 Keep Your Router Software Up to Date
Updating your Wi-Fi software is essential for your home network security. Unlike other software types, routers often lack an auto-update feature, making them prime targets for hackers exploiting firmware vulnerabilities. To protect your network, it’s crucial to manually perform these updates. Variety in sentence structure and length helps to secure your digital environment discreetly.
#6 Disable Remote Administration
Beware of hackers exploiting the remote administration feature on your router. This feature, if activated, could let individuals within proximity to your home network alter or peek at your Wi-Fi settings. To better secure your Wi-Fi router, consider disabling this function unless remote access is a necessity for you. Access the router’s administration panel to find the option to turn off remote administration – a simple click on ‘disable’ should suffice.
Quick Guide to Disable Remote Administration:
- Log into your router’s admin panel.
- Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings section.
- Locate the remote administration option.
- Click ‘disable’ to turn off the feature.
- Confirm changes and exit the panel to safeguard your network.
Conclusion
If you took the router out of the box and plugged in a cable, you may not be safe. Many cyber threats target our wireless networks. At a minimum, we should use the router’s built-in security measures and, ideally, go further and use more advanced tools.