Having a WiFi network at home makes it easier to sync laptops, mobile phones with other smart home gadgets like Amazon Alexa. However, with a rapid rise in wireless connected devices, the home network security becomes extremely significant.The good news? You don’t need to be a tech geek or security expert to keep your WiFi network secure.
Here are top 10 ways to protect your network and keep the data of your loved ones safe.
1. Never use the default name & password of your home network
This is the easiest way to keep your network protected.You can alter the name of your network by following the given steps:
– Open Windows Command Prompt
– Type in “ipconfig”
– Locate your IP Address
– Type your IP Address into your browser’s address box
– Enter your router’s login credentials
– Open WiFi settings
– Change SSID and password
2. Limit access to your WiFi
Sharing, surely is caring. But not when it comes to giving access to your home network to people you don’t know (personally). For example, avoid sharing WiFi with a contractor in your home to perform repairs.
3. Create a guest WiFi network
An exception to the rule above, in case you can not avoid giving access to your home WiFi, create a guest WiFi network. This way you will share the internet with them but can hide any shared folders, printers, storage devices, and network devices connected to your primary wireless network.
4. Enable WiFi encryption
Almost every WPA2 and WPA3 router offers encryption. Turning it on will encrypt the data shared between wireless channel and device, thus preventing others from secretly accessing WiFi network without logging in.
5. Enable Firewall
Turn on the router firewall to prevent unwanted traffic from entering or leaving your wireless network. In order to do so, log into your router settings using your IP address, look under your router’s advanced settings to find the firewall toggle.
6. Switch off WiFi when you are not at home
Disabling your router when you leave home ensures that your WiFi network is safe in your absence, thus giving you a peace of mind.
7. Regularly update the router’s firmware
To do so, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the firmware update file. Next step will be to install the update directly to your wireless router.
8. Disable remote access
While remote access is a convenient way to manage your wireless network from different locations, it also increases the security risk. If not required, disable the ability to avoid potential hackers from accessing your home network.
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Updated: 11 Jun 2023, 07:02 PM IST
