Intruders aren’t always dressed in ski masks and black clothing. Some intruders don’t even come into your home. In fact, they could be sitting at the coffee shop across the street! Keeping your home’s Wi-Fi connection can be just as important as having physical security systems in place. Those who get onto your Wi-Fi may be able to see sensitive information you want to keep private. To keep your home Wi-Fi connection secure, read the following tips:
Have a Solid Password
What may seem like common sense is not so common after all. Having a strong password is essential to home Wi-Fi security. Log into your router’s administration settings to change your password. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Make it something that others won’t be able to easily guess—something long and unique. Memorize this password instead of writing it down, and change it from time to time. Keeping the same password is like asking hackers to use your network.
Change the SSID Name
The SSID of your wireless router is the name of your network that appears when others are searching to connect to wireless networks. Make sure to choose something that does not give away information about where you live or who you are. Use a name that will deter others from attempting to connect to your Wi-Fi—like “Network Service Unavailable”.
Encrypt your Wireless Signals
Encrypting your wireless signals will prevent other computers in the area from using your internet connection. If you go to your router’s configuration page and open security settings, you will be able to choose from different encryption methods for your wireless network. WEP is generally the most compatible method for many devices (especially older ones), although it is also the least secure. We suggest using WPA or WPA2. WPA2 is the most secure form of encryption, however it is also only compatible with devices which were made more recently. You will be able to enter a passphrase—this should be as unique as your password and follow the guidelines mentioned above.
Turn Off Guest Networking
When setting up your router for use, there should be a checkbox in the router’s interface that allows you to turn guest networking on or off. Guest networking allows others to access your router, and should be turned off if you would like to keep your network secure. This can be changed when you would like others to be able to use your network, such as when you have friends or family over.
Turn Off the Network
The best way to make sure people can’t access the network? Turn it off! People can’t access what isn’t there, so when you are away for the day (or longer), turn off the network. This is not an option for everyone, because some networks must run all the time, but for those who have the option, we say use it!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Courtesy of Digital Inspiration
