How to Secure Your Wifi Connection

Throughout the world, 4.66 billion people actively use the internet. Out of this astounding number, how many will use the internet via WiFi? As the years continue, WiFi is becoming more available each day. 

With the technological advances of recent years, WiFi security has become a priority. With the modern ability to store your bank card details on your phone, this is understandable. 

How are homeowners able to ensure the security of their home WiFi systems remains strong? Please keep reading for a range of methods we can use on how to secure your WiFi at home.

Change the Defaults

When we first invest in a home WiFi system, we will be provided with a password and username. These will be a unique list of numbers and letters, both lower and upper case. 

The security of these randomized codes is not as strong as we would like. There is a possibility that hackers can find these details online. If they have this information, they can gain access to your WiFi system. 

You can stop this by changing these codes into a personalized code of your own. Change your user name and create a solid password to which no one but you has access. 

Include Encryption

Another method to protect your WiFi from hackers is with Wireless Network Encryption. Encryption of any kind protects you by safeguarding your information.

Encrypting your data stops hackers from deciphering it by scrambling the information. The strongest type of encryption we can use for our WiFi is the WPA2. 

You can find information on the encryption your WiFi uses through network settings. In the wireless properties section, you can choose which encryption your system uses. 

Virtual Private Network

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you access to unsafe networks while keeping safe. A VPN will encrypt your data in a way that stops hackers from viewing your activity. 

A VPN can also alter your IP address, so your online location appears somewhere other than your home. This will give you an extra level of security, meaning hackers can’t follow you back home. 

A VPN can lock your WiFi at home from a range of devices, not just your computer. Do you use a tablet or mobile phone to search the internet when at home? If so, a VPN can protect each browsing event you undergo.

Remain Hidden

Many of us will have searched for a network at home or at a loved one’s home. We will find a long list of available networks to connect to the internet through. 

These network names are called Service Set Identifiers (SSID). Your WiFi SSID is another code that your service provider will have issued. You are able to change this similar to the username and password. 

Another method on how to protect WiFi from neighbors is to hide your SSID. You can make it so that only those to who you allow access will be able to see your SSID.

Are You Constantly Using It?

The easiest method to ensure you have secure WiFi is to turn it off when it’s not in use. Yes, it’s that simple. If you are leaving the house for the day, turn your WiFi off before you go.

This will minimalize the window at which hackers can attempt to access your data. WiFi doesn’t need to be a 24 hour a day thing. Turn it on only when you wish to use it.

Remain up to Date

The technological age is ever progressing, and WiFi software progresses with it. If you want to protect your WiFi from hackers, make sure your software is up to date. 

You may find that out-of-date WiFi software is less secure than a more recent one. Look into what options you have. Can your WiFi auto-update, or will you manually have to update your software?

While you are searching for up-to-date software, why not look into your internet speed. Try to keep up to date with the fastest available operating systems for your browsing.

Firewalls

The most effective method you can use to protect your WiFi from hackers is to install a firewall. Some routers will come with a preinstalled firewall to protect your data.

A firewall is made to protect your internet connection. It rids you of the risk of hackers breaking through. However, they are able to be disabled through your settings, so make sure your’s is turned on.

Router Location

One security measure which people can take is often overlooked. The placement of the router within your home can have a drastic effect on its security. 

If your router is placed by an outside door or window, this could raise your risks of hackers gaining access. Try to move your router to a more central location within your home.

This is an excellent way of how to protect WiFi from neighbors. By relocating your router, you are reducing the area covered outside the walls of your home. By maintaining a smaller area, you are reducing the risk of passers-by gaining access.

Now You Know How to Secure Your WiFi

The safety and security of your home WiFi system should be on every homeowner’s mind. Use as many of these methods on how to secure your WiFi and reduce your loved ones’ online risks. 

Don’t let cyber thieves gain access to your personal details. Stop them by blocking their access to your WiFi and keep your connection for your household only. 

The speed of your internet should remain as high as you can make it. Check your internet speed with us today and learn ways with which you can take steps to improve your score.