How much do you rely on your home Wi-Fi? Ifyou’re like most people, you use it for online banking, for paying your creditcard, for reserving hotel rooms, for chatting with friends and for watchingmovies.
That’s a lot of activity. And in many cases,everything from laptops and phones to security systems, thermostats, and airconditioners are all connected to home Wi-Fi.
This is a benefit. But when not safeguarded, yourhome Wi-Fi network can be a playground for scammers, hackers and othercybercriminals. A small vulnerability in your home Wi-Fi network can give acriminal access to almost all the devices that connect to that network. Hackersand scammers might be able to access your online bank accounts or credit cardportals. They might be able to spy on those emails you send to your doctor.They might even flood your devices with malware and spyware.
Fortunately, you can secure your home and guest Wi-Fi networks with some simple steps, and doing so can keep the cybercriminals at bay.
Here are some key tips to help secure yourhome Wi-Fi network against unauthorized access.
1. Change the default name of your homeWi-Fi
First, change the SSID (serviceset identifier), or name, of your home Wi-Fi network. Many manufactures giveall their wireless routers a default SSID. In most cases it is the company’sname. When a computer searches for and displays the wireless networks nearby,it lists each network that publicly broadcasts its SSID. This gives a hacker abetter chance of breaking into your network. It is better to change thenetwork’s SSID to something that does not disclose any personal information,thereby throwing hackers off their mission.
2. Make your wireless network passwordunique and strong
Most wireless routers come pre-set with adefault password. This default password is easy to guess by hackers, especiallyif they know the router manufacturer. 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.
3. Enable network encryption
Almost allwireless routers come with an encryption feature. For most router, though, it is turned off by default. Turningon your wireless router’s encryption setting can help secure your network. Makesure you turn it on immediately after your broadband provider installs therouter. Of the many types of encryption available, the most recent andeffective is “WPA2.”
4. Turn off network name broadcasting
When using a wireless router at home, it ishighly recommended that you disable network name broadcasting to the generalpublic. When nearby users try to find a Wi-Fi network, their device will show alist of nearby networks from which they can choose. If you disable namebroadcasting, though, your network won't show up, keeping your Wi-Fi connectioninvisible to those who don't know to look for it.
This feature is useful for businesses,libraries, hotels, and restaurants that want to offer wireless internet accessto their customers, but it is unnecessary for a private wireless network,including your home Wi-Fi network.
5. Keep your router’s software up to date
Sometimes a router’s firmware, like any othersoftware, contains flaws that can become major vulnerabilities unless they arequickly fixed by their manufacturers’ firmware releases. Always install the latest software available for your router and download the latest security patches immediately.This will increase the odds that hackers won’t be able to access your Wi-Finetwork.
6. Make sure you have a good firewall
A “smart firewall” is designed to protect computers from malware, viruses, and other harmfulintrusions. Wireless routers generally contain built-in firewalls but aresometimes shipped with these firewalls turned off. Check that your wirelessrouter’s firewall is turned on. In case your router doesn’t have such afirewall, make sure you install a good firewall solution on your system to guardagainst malicious access attempts on your wireless network.
7. Use VPNs to access your network
Avirtualprivate network, or VPN, is agroup of computers or networks that work together over the Internet.Individuals can use VPNs, like Norton Secure VPN, as a method to secure andencrypt their communications. When you connect to a VPN, a VPN client islaunched on your computer. When you log in with your credentials your computerexchanges keys with another server. Once both computers have verified eachother as authentic, all your Internet communication is encrypted and hiddenfrom outside prying.
Most of all, check what devices connect toyour home network and make sure they have reliable security software likeNorton Security installed against viruses and spyware.
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- Dan Rafter
- Freelance writer
Dan Rafter is a freelance writer who covers tech, finance, and real estate. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Fox Business.
Editorial note:Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc.
