Home Network Security: How to Protect Your Wireless Network

A lot of people just set up their home network and forget about it. They use the default SSID and password with the router or the modem provided by their ISP. While that is convenient, know that convenience comes at a cost.

Home Network Security

When it comes to home network security, two primary components have to be secured:

A router
Devices connected to the router

It’s essential to invest in a premium router device that comes packed with inbuilt security controls. The added security features enable you to set up a firewall, a robust router, VPN, parental controls, and other high-quality next-generation router device benefits.

While router security is essential, securing the internet-enabled devices connected to the router is of great importance. Whether the devices are connected wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable, they should have security measures to avoid vulnerabilities.

In today’s digital age, wireless networks are preferred over wired networks. That’s because nearly all devices nowadays support and prefer a wireless connection due to convenience and portability.

Although going wireless is a convenient way to connect multiple devices in a home, office, public place, it comes with its challenges. Without router security, the devices connected to the router are vulnerable to snoopers actively looking for ways to infiltrate your devices and engage in cybercrimes.

How to Protect Your Wireless Network

There are a couple of ways to boost your wireless network security:

Change the SSID of Your Router

A router comes with its default name, also known as service set identifier (SSID). This name is assigned to the router by the manufacturer. By changing the router’s name, you make it one step difficult for others to guess which type of router you’re using or who it belongs to.

Change the Default Password of Your Router

Similar to a default SSID, the router also comes with a default password. The default credentials are readily available, making it easier for any hacker to access your network. When setting up your router, change the default password. Make sure to keep a unique and robust alphanumeric password.

Enable Security Options

Nearly all modern-day routers offer multiple levels of router security. There are several options, but the one that you should have enabled is known as WPA2. The WPA2 protocol is much more secure than WPA and WEP.

Create a Guest Network

Creating a guest network separates new users and other guests from accessing files hosted on your router or tap your online activities. This is hugely beneficial if you have several people connecting to your network regularly.

Use a VPN

Virtual private networks are largely accredited for offering users supreme online privacy and security. A router VPN can be easily configured on your router, meaning all devices that connect to the router will be secured by state-of-the-art encryption. You can also configure the VPN on your devices to hide an IP address for added security.

In respect to this, you also like to read about:

Enable Firewall

By enabling a firewall, you dodge hacking attempts and keep hackers far away from your device.

As always, use a good antivirus and make sure to keep your devices and apps updated with the latest software.