How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Router and Protect Your Home

As technology has advanced and our lives have become increasingly entwined with the internet and everything in its power, we often forget how important it is to secure our wireless networks from data breaches and hackers.

Our Wi-Fi gives us access to a whole world of possibilities and opens up unprecedented avenues for learning, networking, and entertainment. With the evolution of technology, the attacks on technology have also evolved. Hackers have found innovative ways to get into wireless systems, access data, and even spill confidential information. To ensure that hackers don't disable your Smart alarms you need to protect your network in every way that you can.

While technology is sophisticated and Wi-Fi security has improved over the years, one can never be too careful with the protection of their network. After all, your Wi-Fi knows you better than anyone ever possibly can.

A device prone to exploitation and abuse, the Wi-Fi router is one of the most accessible gateways for cybercriminals to enter into your home and commit serious crimes such as phishing and identity theft.

There are a few simple things we as non-technical people can do to secure our systems and servers. Here are a few steps to protect your Wi-Fi and yourself:

1.    Change your Wi-Fi name from the default

Sounds easy, but it is one of the most important things you can do when setting up new Wi-Fi. Traditionally, Wi-Fi’s have their company and model names in the Wi-Fi name, which can make them easier to hack. Giving hackers information to work with, these model names used in wifis can result in damage as they’re able to break into the system quickly.

A Wi-Fi name should not be disrespectful and provocative because hackers may see it as a challenge. It should also not contain your personal information such as your name, house address, or anything else that can directly be linked to a person or a location.

2.    Set a strong, unique password

This is a tricky one. People often think that a problematic password has to be something that a hacker might not know. But if you’ve seen Mr. Robot, you know how easy it is for the smart ones to find your favorite show, your pet’s name, and your wife’s birthday.

Ideally, a WiFi password should be alphanumeric and should not make sense. Something like YinHyp92f7fn8enHYp is the right choice, but make sure you write it down somewhere!

3.    Router location

Where your Wi-Fi router is located in your home might sound trivial, but it plays a significant role in managing its security. Ideally, a Wi-Fi router should be placed in the middle of the house so that there is equal internet access around the house but also because you do not want people outside your home to be able to access it.

A Wi-Fi router that is placed in the middle of the house would have mild to weak connections outside, making it much safer since the hacker has to be near attack your system.

4.    Encrypt your network

Almost all Wi-Fi routers have the option to enable encryption. While the default settings during installation keep the encryption off, it is highly recommended that you encrypt your network. WPA2 encryption works best and is one of the most secure. It is a useful and advanced security feature.

5.    Secure your network admin

One of the most common ways to secure your Wi-Fi is the gateway to the Wi-Fi. The network administrator is one of the most vulnerable hotspots for attack and can give hackers easy access to your network. Keeping a strong password for your network administrator backend can help avert a crisis in times where there may be a potential attack.

Most routers come with generic IDs and passwords, and it is recommended that you visit your provider’s website and change the password at the earliest. Having control over your network settings is essential in today’s time.

6.    Update the software

Every electronic device runs on one software or the other. Software controls the commands and general functionality of a device so that it gives the desired output.

Leveraging one simple ability can help you secure your networks and tight any loose ends that may exist in your current security. Updating the software on your router can seriously help with protection against damage. Service providers are always on the lookout for bugs and threats, and each software update comes with added security.

While the newer models of routers have auto-update enabled, a traditional model might have to be manually updated. You can visit your network administrator and look for software updates in the settings.

7.    Be mindful about security

We often forget how important it is to keep our networks secure. One of the most natural things to do is be informed about the safety of our system and be aware of abnormal functions. The simplest way to protect yourself is to browse safe sites, not share personal data online, manage cache and cookies, and be mindful of security.

A simple step towards security can go a long way in protecting you and your loved ones from dangerous data leaks and mishaps.