How Do I Secure My Wireless Network?

To what extent do you use your home Wi-Fi? If you’re anything like the majority of people, you use it for movies, online banking, credit card payments, hotel reservations, and friend chats.

There’s a lot going on there. Furthermore, a lot of appliances, including air conditioners, thermostats, security systems, and laptops and phones, are linked to residential WiFi networks. But security & virus protection of a Wireless network is always a major concern when you are connecting your network with a wireless operating structure.

This is advantageous. However, if left unprotected, your home Wi-Fi network can serve as an escape for hackers, scammers, and other online crooks. Nearly every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network can be accessed by a cybercriminal with just a little weakness in the network. If you don’t take security steps, hackers and con artists may be able to access your credit card information or online bank accounts. They could be able to eavesdrop on any correspondence you have with your physician. They may even use spyware and malware to target your gadgets.

The good news is that you can deter cybercriminals by taking a few easy actions to secure your home Wi-Fi network.

These are some essential pointers for protecting your home Wi-Fi network from unwanted access. 

Modify your home WiFi’s default name.

First, modify your home Wi-Fi network’s name or SSID (service set identifier). Many manufacturers set the default SSID for all of their wireless routers. It is typically the name of the business. A computer’s search for and presentation of nearby wireless networks includes a list of all networks that broadcast their SSID publicly. This increases the likelihood that a hacker will gain access to your network. It is preferable to alter the network’s service set name (SSID) to something that obscures any personally identifiable information, deterring hackers from accomplishing their goal. 

Make sure your wireless network password is strong and distinct.

The majority of wireless routers have a default password that is pre-set. Hackers can easily guess this default password, especially if they are aware of the router’s manufacturer. Make sure your wireless network password is composed of at least 20 characters, a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Hackers will have a harder time accessing your network the more complex your password is. 

Turn on encryption on the network.

The majority of wireless routers have an encryption capability built in. However, it is usually turned off by default on routers. Encryption on your wireless router can help keep your network safe. Make sure that as soon as your internet provider installs the router, you switch it on. The most modern and efficient encryption method currently in use is “WPA2.” 

Turn off broadcasting of the network name.

It is strongly advised that you turn off network name broadcasting to the public while using a wireless router at home. Users in the vicinity can choose from a list of neighboring networks displayed on their devices when they attempt to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Disabling name broadcasting, however, will prevent your network from appearing, making your Wi-Fi connection unnoticeable to anyone who is unaware of where to look.

This capability is not required for a private wireless network, such as your home Wi-Fi network, but it is helpful for establishments like libraries, hotels, restaurants, and companies that wish to provide wireless internet access to their patrons. 

Update the software on your router regularly.

Like any software, router firmware occasionally has bugs that, if left unchecked by their creators, might develop into serious security holes. Download and install the most recent security updates as soon as possible, and always use the most recent software for your router. This will raise the likelihood that your Wi-Fi network won’t be compromised by hackers. 

Ensure that you have a strong firewall.

Computers are shielded from viruses, spyware, and other dangerous incursions by a “firewall.” Firewalls are typically included in wireless routers, yet occasionally they are sold with the firewalls disabled. Verify that the firewall on your wireless router is activated. If your router lacks a firewall of this kind, be sure to protect your system from unauthorized access attempts by installing a reliable firewall program. 

Connect to your network using a VPN.

A virtual private network, sometimes known as a VPN, encrypts and transforms data sent and received from your device over Wi-Fi networks into an unreadable and untraceable format by building a private, encrypted tunnel. It helps ensure the data exchanged during those online sessions remains secure and private. People can encrypt and safeguard their internet communications by using virtual private networks (VPNs) for PC, MAC, or mobile devices.

Conclusion

Above all, identify the devices that are connected to your home network and confirm that they are running reputable, all-around security software, to guard against malware, spyware, viruses, and ransomware.