Home network security is becoming increasingly crucial as people purchase more wirelessly linked devices. From your desktop PC, laptop, and smartphone to smart home Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets like baby monitors, refrigerators, fire alarms, and door locks, you can connect practically every device in your home to your Wi-Fi these days.
With so many gadgets linked to a single internet access point, homeowners must ensure that the security of their home Wi-Fi network is up to par. While it may appear difficult to do this on your own, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to protect your network.
Top ways to protect your home network
Tip 1: Change the default name and password of your home network
Changing the default name of your home internet connection is the simplest way to secure it. You can change this name, which is also known as the SSID (Service Set Identifier).
Also change your password regularly. Use a lengthier phrase that is unique to that device when updating your SSID and Wi-Fi password. During this process, avoid revealing any obvious or personal information, such as your name or birthday.
Tip 2: Limit access to your wireless network
It may seem common sense, but don’t give strangers access to your home network. The larger the chance of your data slipping into the wrong hands, the more persons who know your wireless network credentials.
A contractor, for example, does not require access to your home Wi-Fi network while performing repairs. While there are exceptions to this rule, such as allowing someone from your internet provider’s company to access to your home network, you should avoid letting unfamiliar devices to connect to your home network unless you have a compelling reason to do so.
Tip 3: Create a home guest network
Allow your guests to join to a guest Wi-Fi network instead of giving them your Wi-Fi credentials. The guest networking option allows you to create a new Wi-Fi network that allows you to browse the internet while hiding any shared files, printers, storage devices, and network devices that are connected to your primary wireless network.
This capability is available on most wireless routers and may be accessed through the device settings.
Tip 4: Turn on Wi-Fi network encryption and router firewall
Encryption is available on most WPA2 and WPA3 routers. This function can be enabled in the Wi-Fi settings of your router, which you can access using your IP address and router login credentials. Any data exchanged between your wireless channel and your device is encrypted when you enable encryption for your Wi-Fi network.
This will prohibit anyone from listening in on your Wi-Fi network without first logging in. Remember that after you enable this, you’ll need to manually reconnect all of your devices to your wireless network. You can talk to your internet provider to enable this on your behalf.
Firewalls on routers are frequently switched off by default, so you’ll need to enable yours. To do so, go to your router’s settings and enable the option using your IP address. To find the firewall toggle, search under the advanced settings of your router. You can contact your internet provider to help you out as well.
tip5: Update your router’s firmware
You can simply do this by visiting the device manufacturer’s website and download the firmware update file to upgrade your router’s firmware. Then connect it to your wireless router directly. Every router manufacturer has a somewhat different procedure, so check their website for instructions.
Tip 6: Disable remote access
Remote access is a function on most routers that allows you to access your Wi-Fi network from anywhere you have an internet connection.
This may be a simple way to control your wireless network from a different place, but it could also pose a security risk. If you haven’t updated the default router credentials, anyone could access your wireless password and, as a result, your network, increasing the risk of a hack.
It’s recommended to leave the remote access feature turned off unless you absolutely need it.
Tip 7: Place your router in the middle of your home
This is a simple, non-technical way to prevent unwelcome entry from someone sitting in a car across the street or a nosy neighbor that wants free internet. It will also improve internet connectivity in all regions of your home as a bonus.
Summary
Learning how to protect your data from hackers by securing your home’s Wi-Fi is a must. Given the number of devices that connect to our network, it’s critical that you take every precaution to prevent undesirable actors from gaining access.
If you can’t practically implement all of the suggestions above, at least try a few to make tiny, straightforward modifications. For example, just relocating your router to the center of your home and changing the firmware on your router will deter more amateur hackers who may abandon their attempts at the first indication of simple resistance.