If you’re throwing a party and expecting a lot of guests, your priority is probably making sure there’s enough food and drinks for everyone. But have you thought about how many unknown devices will join your Wi-Fi network? If these devices become infected with malware or if one of your guests unintentionally downloads a virus while connected to your main network, it could compromise your security.
Once an attacker gains access to your network, they could potentially access and control any of your connected devices, install malware, and spy on sensitive data like credit card numbers and camera feeds live.
A secure home network will help reduce the risk of being hacked and having someone access your sensitive information. It will also keep away unwanted or unauthorized users and devices that might slow down your connection or download the Internet service you pay for for free.
Below you will find 10 quick and easy steps to secure your home network. Some are more effective than others at keeping hackers and pests at bay, but all are useful in their own way.
It should be noted that nothing can guarantee absolute security against hacking attempts. These tips only make it much more difficult for your network and data to be compromised. (For more Wi-Fi tips, see how to tell if your internet provider is throttling your wifi and our tips to speed up your Wi-Fi connection).
Tips for Securing Your Home Wi-Fi Network
Here are the basics for protecting your home Wi-Fi network. Continue reading for more information on each below.
- Place your router in a central location.
- Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often.
- Change the router’s default login information.
- Enable firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.
- Create a guest network.
- Use a VPN.
- Keep your router and devices up to date.
- Disable access to the remote router.
- Check connected devices.
- Switch to a WPA3 router.
1. Place your router in a central location
Strong network security starts with optimized configuration. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help maintain your connection to the confines of your home. As a bonus, this will probably also contribute to better connection quality.
For example, if you have internet in an apartment Where neighbors are immediately to the left and right of you, placing your router next to a shared wall could send them a strong and tempting signal. A good router can emit signals next door or across the street, even if you are not in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces the distance these signals travel outside your home. CNET recommends the TP-Link Archer AX21, which performed well in terms of speed and range and had low latency when we tested it.
2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often
This should This goes without saying, but I’m going to bring it up anyway to emphasize its importance: creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid passwords or easy-to-guess phrases, such as a person’s name, date of birth, phone number, or other common information. Although simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they are also easier for others to guess. You can easily Go to your router settings to update your Wi-Fi password.
Oh, and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you think your network security may have been compromised. The more frequently you change your password, the less likely it will be compromised.
3. Change the router’s default login information
Along the same lines as password protecting your Wi-Fi network, you’ll also want to prevent anyone from being able to directly access your router’s settings.
To do this, change the administrator name and password of your router. You can log into your router’s settings by entering its IP address in the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you don’t know how to determine your IP address, read our guide.
Your router’s login information is separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you’re not sure what the default is, you should be able to find it on the bottom of the router. Or, if it was changed to default somewhere along the way, here’s how to access your router settings to update username and password.
4. Enable firewall and Wi-Fi encryption
Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on the data exchanged between your router and connected devices. Both are usually enabled by default, but you should check that they are enabled in your router settings.
Now that you know how to log into your router settings, make sure the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they are off for some reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you.
5. Create a guest Wi-Fi network
Before sharing access to your main home network, consider create a separate guest network for visitors. I’m not saying your guests will try anything nefarious with your primary Wi-Fi connection, but their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without them knowing.
A guest network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats And smart speakers – devices that do not contain a lot of sensitive information and are perhaps more easily hacked than a smarter device such as a computer or phone.
6. Use a VPN
There are several reasons to use a good VPNand network security is one of them. A virtual private network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data.
VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but if you pay a few dollars more per month, you can get a much more secure service. Other benefits of using a VPN include: It can be ideal for streaming and for online games.
7. Keep Your Router and Devices Updated
Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Stay informed about their regular uploads.
Keeping your router and connected devices up to date with the latest updates will help you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. Configure your router to update automatically in the administrative settings, if possible, and periodically check that your router is up to date.
8. Disable remote router access
Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router settings. Unless you need to access your router when you’re away from home (to check or change the configuration of a child’s connected device, for example), there should be no reason to enable remote access.
You can disable remote access in the router’s administrative settings. Unlike other security measures, disabling remote router access may not be the default.
9. Check connected devices
Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and make sure you know what they are. If anything seems suspicious, disconnect it and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing your password, you will need to reconnect all your previously connected devices, but any users or devices that are not authorized to use your network will receive the boot.
Some devices, especially obscure IoT ones, may have weird default names made up of random numbers and letters that you don’t immediately recognize. If you encounter something like this while auditing your connected devices, disconnect them. Later, when you are unable to start your robot vacuum cleaner from your phone you’ll know that’s what it was.
10. Upgrade to a WPA3 Router
WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers must be equipped with WPA3, so if you are purchasing a new router there should be no need to worry. Many people rent their routers directly from the providerwhich may not include the latest equipment.
If your router was manufactured before 2018, you may have a WPA2 device, which does not have the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search for your device model should tell you its release date and specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you have a router with WPA2, call your supplier and negotiate for a better and newer router.
Bottom line? Network security is not guaranteed
Again, even with the latest and greatest methods to protect your home network, security will never be 100% assured. As long as the Internet exists, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better protect your network from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data.
For more tips, check out how to find free wifi anywhere in the world And the ideal location for your router.
