Protecting Your Home Network: A Guide to Keeping Hackers at Bay
When it comes to protecting your home, most people focus on door locks, alarm systems or cameras. But in today's digital age, just as much of our life happens online as it does inside our homes. If your home Wi-Fi network isn't properly secured, you could leave yourself open to hackers, data theft and other digital threats without realizing it.
Creating a secure home network will help reduce the risk of getting hacked and having someone access your sensitive information. It'll also keep away unwanted or unauthorized people and devices that would slow down your connection or freeload on your internet service. In this article, we'll provide you with 10 simple, quick steps to secure your home network.
Tip #1: Place Your Router in a Central Location
Strong network security starts with an optimized setup. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help minimize interference and ensure a stronger signal.
Tip #2: Change Your Wi-Fi Password Regularly
Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and verify that you know what they are. If anything on there looks suspicious, disconnect it and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing your password, you'll have to reconnect all your previously connected devices, but any users or devices that are not authorized to use your network will get the boot.
Tip #3: Enable WPA2 Encryption
WPA2 encryption is a widely used security protocol for Wi-Fi networks. It's recommended to enable WPA2 encryption on your router and ensure that it's set to the highest level of encryption available.
Tip #4: Keep Your Router and Devices Up-to-Date
Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Stay updated on downloading those regularly.
Tip #5: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data. VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network.
Tip #6: Disable Remote Access
Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router settings. Unless you need to access your router while away from home, there's no reason to enable remote access. You can disable it under the router's admin settings.
Tip #7: Use a Secure Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID)
A secure Wi-Fi network name (SSID) is crucial for protecting your network. Choose a unique and complex name that's not easily guessable by hackers.
Tip #8: Limit Network Access
Limited network access means only allowing authorized devices to connect to your network. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network.
Tip #9: Use a Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It's essential for protecting your home network from hackers and malware.