Don’t Let Hackers Access Your Home Wi-Fi Network. Here’s How to Lock It Down

Strengthening the security of your home often means door locks, alarm systems And security camerasbut a recent hack of 14,000 home routers shows that you need to protect your home internet network Also.

Selecting a Wi-Fi router with the latest security protocols and locking down your home network is essential to prevent you from inadvertently aiding a major cybercrime ring.

If your Wi-Fi network is not properly secured, you risk leaving your Wi-Fi network wide open to hackers, data thieves, and other digital threats. When your home network is breached, strangers can control connected devices, install malware, or access your sensitive data, such as credit card numbers and camera feeds.

Maintaining a secure home network can also protect against unwanted or unauthorized people and devices. slow down your connection by downloading for free on your Internet service. The good news is that improving your network security isn’t as complex as you might think.

It should be noted that nothing can guarantee absolute security against hacking attempts. But these 10 simple tips below make it much harder for your network and data to be compromised. For more Wi-Fi tips, check out 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.
• Use 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 broadcast signals next door or across the street, even if you’re not in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces the distance these signals travel outside your home.

2. Use 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 is 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 main Wi-Fi connection. However, their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without their knowledge.

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 you can get a much more secure service if you pay a few dollars more per month. Another benefit of using a VPN is that it can be ideal for streaming.

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 firmware updates will help ensure the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. If possible, configure your router to update automatically in the administrative settings and periodically check that it is up to date.

Find the provider’s official instructions for updating your router’s firmware here:

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 of 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 should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router you shouldn’t have 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.

What is the end result? 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.