With the increasing number of wireless devices in every household, the security of your home network has never been this important. Today, your connection may have multiple mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and IoT devices like smart home solutions connected to it. With all these devices connected to your home network, protecting that network is more important than ever today.
Many internet service providers are offering their own set of security features for customers. You can contact Cox customer service number or that of your ISP’s and ask about their built-in antivirus feature for enhanced protection. Dive into this blog and learn how to protect your home network more effectively.
The following are the 5 ways to secure a network:
Change Wi-Fi Password and Username
The easiest way to protect your home network is by changing the default name and password of your Wi-Fi connection. Continuing with the default settings is never advisable as it leaves your network vulnerable. The factory name and security settings of Wi-Fi routers from a company are the same. So, if someone identifies the connection and knows the standard password, they can easily access it. Therefore, do not delay changing the standard settings.
Follow the standard method of changing your SSID. Make sure your password is strong, a mix of numbers, alphabets, and symbols, and not related to any personal info. To change your SSID, locate your IP address, insert your login credentials, and open and tweak Wi-Fi settings.
Limit Access to Your Wi-Fi
Some people may believe sharing Wi-Fi with neighbors and friends is a good buddy. But sharing your connection with more people makes the whole network vulnerable. One device with poor security or malicious intent of someone can put you at serious risk. Another reason why you should not share your Wi-Fi connection with everyone is that your own connection will become slow by doing so. It will impact both your download and upload speeds.
So, consider becoming a little less generous when it comes to sharing the password of your Wi-Fi.
Make a Home Guest Network
Sometimes, you just have to give people your Wi-Fi network. For example, when your parents are coming over for the weekend, they will need a connection. To share your Wi-Fi connection without putting the network at risk, you can create a guest network. Separate your printers, shared folders, and other things that you would want to make secure. And set up a different SSID with a unique password for the guests.
A good thing about making a guest network is that many Wi-Fi routers already have this feature. Ask your provider or do a bit of research on your own to make use of this underappreciated security booster.
Switch On the Router’s Firewall
Most Wi-Fi routers come packed with a firewall option, and chances are that yours have one too. A firewall’s duty is to keep bad traffic from entering or leaving the network. An active firewall will protect your network and connected devices effectively against many malicious activities.
A problem with a router’s firewall most of the time is turned off by default. So, no matter how good that firewall is, you must turn it on for protection. Turn on your router’s firewall and experience better network protection.
Place the Router in the Middle of Your Home
Your router placement is one easy way for you to protect your network. By putting your Wi-Fi router in the middle of your residence, most of the signal strength stays within your home. The signals do not spread out of your home more than they should. Not only will you get better signal coverage in every corner of your house, but you will also receive faster and stronger signals. Further, taking this one step will lower unwanted access to your network.
Since it does not need any technical knowledge, it is highly advisable for you to take this step ASAP.
Turn Off Your Wi-Fi Routers When Away from Home
On normal days when you are to come back home after work, turning off your Wi-Fi is not the most advisable thing to do. It is because your smart home devices may be connected to it. But when you are going somewhere far away, it is best to turn off your router. Making this one habit will guarantee your network safety even when you are not home.
Conclusion
There are many easy ways for you to make your home network secure from outside attacks. Simple password changes, enabling in-built security features, and adopting secure habits will help you cover many network vulnerabilities.
