Most people don’t think twice about their home or office WiFi network security. They set up a password and maybe enable some encryption, but that’s usually as far as it goes. However, there are a number of other things you can do to keep your network safe from hackers, malware and other threats.
To ensure you have the best possible security for your WiFi network, we’re sharing our top tips for optimum protection.
1. Change the Default Administrator Password on Your Router
Many people don’t realise that when they set up their WiFi network, they’re using the manufacturer’s default administrator password. This is a serious security risk, as it means anyone who knows the default password can access your router’s settings and potentially make changes that could compromise your network.
2. Use a Strong Encryption Method
When you’re setting up your WiFi network, be sure to choose a strong encryption method. The most common methods are WEP and WPA2. WEP is an older method that is not as secure as WPA2. However, both methods are better than no encryption at all.
3. Enable Firewall Protection
Most routers come with built-in firewall protection, but it’s not always enabled by default. Be sure to turn on this feature to help protect your network from external threats. It also doesn’t hurt to install a software firewall on your computer as an additional layer of protection.
4. Keep Your Router’s Firmware Up to Date
Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit security vulnerabilities. That’s why it’s important to keep your router’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers regularly release updates that patch known security issues, so be sure
5. Keep Your Firmware Up to Date
Firmware is the software that runs on your router. Like any software, it needs to be kept up to date to patch security vulnerabilities. Many routers have a feature that allows you to automatically check and install updates, so be sure this is turned on.
6. Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all the traffic between your computer and the VPN server, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept. This is an especially good idea if you often use public WiFi networks, as they are more vulnerable to attack.
7. Choose a Strong Password
This one seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating: choose a strong password for your WiFi network. A good password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your WiFi network is as secure as possible from external threats.