All Wi-Fi networks have a common feature – the ability to accommodate multiple users. An open network is easy to hack and expose data to third parties, so you must secure your wireless network.
Whether you’re a home user or a professional IT user, here are the five best ways to secure your Wi-Fi network.
1. Use Strong Passwords
The best line of defence against hacking and data leaks is a password. Absent a strong password, a Wi-Fi network is worthless. Like leaving your gate unlocked for burglars. Making passwords, however, does not entail copying other people’s secure passwords that you have come across. Here are some tips for creating a solid pass to keep these internet criminals out.
- Make a 16-mixed-character password.
- Ensure it contains numbers, special characters, and upper and lower cases.
- Avoid mostly used words, phrases, or personal information.
- Using your name or date of birth is not a good idea
- Install a password manager to test the strength of your password, or you can use an identify authentication service.
- Do not repeat previously used passwords.
- Install a password manager to help create better passwords.
Change the Default Network Name (SSID) and Password: The first step in securing your Wi-Fi network is to change the default network name (SSID) and password provided by your router manufacturer. Default network names and passwords are often well-known and can be easily exploited by attackers. Choose a unique and strong network name and password that are not easily guessable. Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your password.
2. Rename Routers and Networks
Passwords and usernames are pre-programmed in routers. If you purchase the router for the first time, you can keep the password. However, as time goes on, you should update these passwords because hackers can simply guess the information as it is now public knowledge. By altering the router’s information from its factory defaults, you can, however, prevent this. The name of the router on your Wi-Fi network needs to be changed next.
The device has a name called SSID (service set identifier) which is visible to nearby devices. It is dangerous to display the default network name because it contains the brand and model number hackers use to set up the Wi-Fi. Changing the name of the Wi-Fi will disguise it from neighbours and hackers, just like how data is hijacked in animated movies.
However, if you change the name, the router will kick out every connected device on the network. These devices must reconnect with the current information to use the network. Below are steps to renaming your SSID.
- Locate the admin portal on your router.
- Check for the default access information located on the router’s back. At the back are serial numbers and dots, including the admin login information.
- Input the default access numbers on your web browser. The series of numbers is a web address. The numbers look similar to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Search the address on the web browser on your mobile device or computer, and it must be connected to the router. Call the router provider’s customer care representative to confirm the number.
- Use the admin login details to log in to the admin portal. However, if you find it challenging to log in, change the information via the setup.
- Surf the web for the wireless tab on your portal and click on the image.
- It will display your SSID information, including password and security settings. After changing the information, click apply to save the changes. However, routers on dual-band Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz connections come with peculiar passwords, SSIDs, and settings.
Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cables-connected-to-ethernet-ports-2881232/
3. Turn on WPA2 Encryption on Your Wireless Router
In order to increase security, routers contain encryption, which is typically off and needs to be turned on by the owner. The user needs update the firmware to support the programme in order to install WPA2 and WPA3 on an outdated router. If you’re unable to reset the password, you can also buy a new router with the minimal security of WPA2 or WPA3.
Routers have encryption which is usually turned off and must be turned on by the owner to make it safer. To make the WPA2 and WPA3 installation possible on an old router, the user must upgrade the firmware to support the software. Also, you can purchase a new router with the minimum standard of WPA2 or WPA3 if you can’t change the password.
Enable Network Firewall and Disable Remote Management: Most modern routers come with built-in firewall capabilities that help protect your network from external threats. Make sure your router’s firewall is enabled, as it acts as a barrier between your network and the internet. Additionally, disable remote management of your router, which prevents unauthorized users from accessing and modifying your router’s settings remotely.
Conclusion
Once more, following all of these instructions does not 100% ensure that your router’s Wi-Fi network is secure. However, it will at least have a chance against hackers. Hackers and other cybercriminals are everywhere on the internet, eager to take advantage of every opportunity to profit.
You may, however, stay safe and concealed from those attempting to access your data or connection by using these simple recommendations. So, start practising some of the processes using the Wi-Fi network settings on your router.
Remember to periodically update your router’s firmware to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Additionally, consider disabling WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), as it can be vulnerable to brute-force attacks.