So you are concerned about securing your wifi router and rightly so.
Why hide your WiFi network?
Maybe you bought a new router or just set up an internet connection. Whichever the case, it’s common knowledge that wireless networks are more vulnerable to hacking and other cyber attacks compared to wired networks.
After all, they fill news headlines almost daily, ransomware and identity theft and so many more. This indeed is a worrying trend.
Here’s what you can do to secure your WiFi network
#1 Change default admin credentials
All manufacturers have a default admin and password for every wifi router sell. It is of utmost importance to anyone who’s serious about securing their internet experience to change the default credentials.
If someone gets access to your admin console they can lock you out of your own internet network. Without access to the admin console, you can’t even set up a proper security for the wifi network.
Anyone who’s a little smart can just google the default password and have access to your wifi network and data.
#2 Protect your router’s password
Don’t hand over your wifi password to anyone who asks for it.
Especially people who are one time visitors like a salesman or acquaintance. This is key to be able to secure your WiFi network. It’s important you are ready to tell these folks a strong “NO” because your security is important.
Pro Tip: Always have at least 8 digit alphanumeric password which is hard to remember for others but makes sense to you and easy to remember for you.
If you feel like too many people have your wifi password then it’s time to change it. Updating your password time to time can go a long way in protecting your network.
#3 Secure your Wifi Network by keeping Firmware Updated
Every manufacturer updates their firmware software from time to time. The reason for this could be debugging, adding additional features or fixing a vulnerability.
Most probably after a mass virus attack, they update the software to protect their customers. Hence, Updating your firmware time to time can keep your wifi network and you protected.
It’s recommended to set your firmware update to automatically update in console or settings that you’ll find in the router console. If not please make it a habit to manually update the firmware every once in 60 days at least.
#4 Switch off Router
Switch your router off when you are about to sleep or go out. This will not only save you power but also help secure your wifi network from unwanted internet thieves while you’re asleep or out.
#5 Encrypt your Connection
This is the best form of protection for you and your wifi network. The latest standard in wifi connection encryption is WPA2 AES.
This is the most enhanced and secure way to encrypt your connection between devices and wifi router. If your wifi router doesn’t have WPA2 AES. You’ll find the option under security in the admin console to choose which form of encryption you’d like for your WiFi network. This is most effective in hiding your wifi network.
Then you can switch to WPA2. If your wifi router is below WPA2 encryption then you should consider upgrading your old wifi router to this new technology.
Encryption is the best form of security because it encrypts everything between your router and devices making it harder for hackers to sniff out details from the packets that are continuously flowing between the devices and routers.
Also read: How to upgrade and downgrade your Windows OS easily and for free
Featured image courtesy: Lifewire
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