Hello there and welcome to another guide!
This one is for those of you who might want your Wi-Fi to be more secure.
Here are 5 simple steps to help you cover all the bases of Wi-Fi Security. We’re not just listing the steps here – we’re breaking down what each one can prevent so you know why it matters. Let’s dive in!
Change The Name
Wi-Fi routers come with a default name that shows up as the name of your Wi-Fi. This usually is the name of the company that manufactured the device. Changing this is the first step to security.
As a rule of thumb, Anything you receive by default that can be changed must be changed.
When hackers are looking for victim networks to hack, a default name that reveals the router brand or model gives them helpful information. They can search for known vulnerabilities in that specific brand or model, or might exploit default settings you may have missed. By renaming your network, you make it harder for hackers to identify the device you are using.
Tip: Don’t include any personal information in the new name, like your name or address – this could give attackers additional clues.
Set a Strong, Unique Password
This one is a given, but here’s a reminder anyway.
When selecting a good password for your wireless network, make sure it contains at least 20 characters, including numbers, letters, and symbols. The more complicated your password, the more difficult it is for hackers to break into your network.
The default password that your router comes with might satisfy some of these requirements, but always remember the rule of thumb, if it is a default and can be changed, it must be changed. Although this password might seem secure, manufacturers generate these passwords in ways that can be reverse engineered or predicted and guessed with little effort.
Enable Network Encryption
Most modern Wi-Fi routers come with an encryption feature which is disabled by default in most cases. Enable this feature if your router has it and ensure it is set to “WPA2” which is the latest and most effective technology widely available. For every subsequent router, make sure you turn it on immediately after your internet provider installs it.
Encryption scrambles data sent over your network, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This not only protects your Wi-Fi password from being cracked but also keeps your online activities private from unauthorized users.
Enable Your Router’s Firewall
A firewall acts as a barrier between your home Wi-Fi and its surroundings by filtering incoming and outgoing communications to protect against hackers. Most Wi-Fi routers come with a built-in firewall which is not enabled by default. It is highly recommended to enable this from your router’s configuration page as these components can be game-changing when it comes to network security.
Disable Remote Administration
Remote Administration (also called Remote Management) is a feature in many WiFi routers that allows administrators to manage and configure the router from a remote location, outside the local network.
The average person is likely to never use this feature but is often enabled by default. This feature introduces unnecessary security risks that can make your network vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Routers with remote access enabled are often targeted by automated brute force attacks wherein attackers try countless username-password combinations to break in. By disabling remote administration, you effectively prevent attackers from having the opportunity to launch such attacks from outside the network. It is therefore highly recommended to disable this setting from your router’s admin interface.
Following these five steps will help secure your Wi-Fi and protect against many common attack methods. Making a few small adjustments to your router’s settings can go a long way toward ensuring that your network is protected, and with it, your devices, data, and privacy.