Almost every household owns a Wi-Fi router to access the internet across all devices. If a guest arrives at home, the first thing they ask is to give Wi-Fi password so that they can check their emails, social networks, and other work-related apps.
In the early days, most of the people knew your Wi-Fi password, and some unknown devices were also connected to it without your permission. Probably your neighbors or someone residing within the same building.
Wi-Fi signals can disperse beyond the boundary of your house. Once the password leaks out to the world, it becomes almost impossible to control the access. However, with the increased risk of cyberattacks and security vulnerabilities, you need to implement some changes.
You probably have to deal with two major security issues. The first is to control who can access your network. The second one is to restrict the digital footprint so that outsiders can’t access signals from your router and steal all your important information and passwords.
Let’s have a look at some of the important tweaks that you need to implement to secure your home network and avoid any consequences.
Choose a Complex Wi-Fi Password
No matter, who arrives at your home, the first thing they would ask is a Wi-Fi password. Once they log in to your home network, they are granted access for an indefinite period, unless you change the credentials. The password might be passed on to other people, which might put your home network at risk.
You can’t say no to anyone asking for a password. However, to avoid leaking of password, make sure to choose a difficult password that contains special characters, a sequence of numbers, upper, and lower case letters. By choosing a difficult password, no one would ever remember and nor will they be able to pass on to others. The ideal password length is 20 characters long. However, if you find it difficult to remember, 12 characters can also help secure your network.
Security Suite helps secure Your Network
The majority of internet service providers are backed with a full security suite to prevent hackers and malware from accessing your network and stealing private data. Make sure to install the security suite after setting up your internet. For instance, Spectrum Packages include internet, telephone, and TV along with free security suite.
The security suite features an anti-bot scanner that removes all the malicious software. Moreover, it can help protect the system from potential attacks and infections. Make sure to install the security suite before you start browsing, socializing, streaming, or gaming.
Change the Default Name of Network
Router manufacturers usually come with a default setting that is the same for almost all the product lines. Moreover, the routers come with the same administration software across all the models. It makes easy for hackers to pass through the gate without trouble.
Network detection software allows hackers to check Wi-Fi in nearby areas. No matter where the signals are coming from, hackers are least bothered. Each network comes with its own identity called SSID.
The manufacturers might also add the model or brand name in the SSID. If you have rented a router from your internet service provider, make sure to change the SSID. Similarly, if you have purchased your router, the SSID is usually denoted with a model number or name, which needs to be changed.
Hide the Network
The router doesn’t need to reveal its SSID. You can block the router from broadcasting the SSID by hiding your network. For those who have already stored the information can still connect to the network, but random passerby won’t see it. In some cases, the hidden network will be displayed to others, which is impossible to connect without knowing the name.
If you want to keep unknown, devices stay away from your network, you might face the problem when connecting a new smart device. But by turning on the SSID broadcast temporarily will allow you to see the network. After you have set up a connection with the password, hide the network again. It won’t be possible for visitors to connect to the network.
Update Your Firmware
Normally the router runs on a software called firmware. The software allows you to control everything from managing router settings to changing the password. Moreover, the firmware also sets the security for your network and rules to define which devices to connect.
Nowadays, routers available on the market come with enhanced technology to update in the background, without your command. However, it is better to check whether the router’s firmware is up to date. Updated firmware will fix the bugs and security patches to protect against stalkers and hackers. It is easy to update the firmware, no matter which router you purchase or rent. In case, you can’t find how to update the firmware, simply refer to the router’s guide book or visit the official support site.
Use Guest Network Feature
Most of the modern routers offer you an option to create a guest network to grant permission to your guest to access the Wi-Fi network. However, the guests will not be allowed to access the rest of your network. It is similar to a feature introduced in new smartphones that allows you to create a guest account where limited apps and files are accessible to the outsider.
Summing Up
The security of your home network should be taken seriously. Follow the aforementioned tips to secure your network from hackers and other security vulnerabilities.