You're Leaving Your Wi-Fi Wide Open to Hackers Unless You're Taking These Steps

For many, the summer is the time to relax, book a family vacation, and get some sun by the pool (don't forget your sunscreen!). When most people are tediously making their summer travel plans, they focus on door locks, alarm systems, or cameras. You're probably not thinking about securing your Wi-Fi network, but these days, just as much of our lives happens online as it does inside the house.

If your home Wi-Fi network isn't properly and regularly secured, you could be unknowingly leaving your Wi-Fi wide open to hackers, data theft, and other digital threats without realizing it. If your home network is breached, it can be accessed; that means strangers could potentially control connected devices, install malicious software, or access your sensitive data, like your credit card numbers and live camera feeds.

So what do you do? You make your home Wi-Fi more secure. A secure home network will help reduce the risk of getting hacked and can also keep away unwanted or unauthorized people and devices that would slow down your connection or freeload on your internet service. Before you book your flight or head to the beach, you can strengthen your network with 10 simple (quick!) steps.

Some are more effective than others at keeping hackers and freeloaders at bay but all are useful in their own way. It's worth noting that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hacking attempts. But these tips make it much harder for anyone to compromise your network and data. For more Wi-Fi tips, check out how to tell if your internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and our tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection.

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 keep your connection to the confines of your home.

A good router can cast signals next door or across the street, even if you aren't in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces how far those signals travel outside your home, making it harder for hackers to intercept your Wi-Fi signal.

Tip #2: Create a Strong Wi-Fi Password and Change It Often

Create a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid easily guessed passwords or phrases, such as someone's name, birthday, phone number, or other common information.

You can easily access your router settings to update your Wi-Fi password. Oh, and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you suspect your network security may have been compromised.

Tip #3: Change the Default Router Login Credentials

Along the same lines of password-protecting your Wi-Fi network, you'll also want to keep anyone from being able to directly access your router settings. To do so, change your router's admin name and password.

You can log in to your router settings by typing its IP address into the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you're unsure how to determine your IP address, read our guide.

Tip #4: Turn on the Firewall and Wi-Fi Encryption

Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to keep anyone from eavesdropping on the data sent back and forth between your router and connected devices. Both are typically active by default, but you should check to ensure they're enabled in your router settings.

Now that you know how to log in to your router settings, ensure the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they're off for whatever reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you.

Tip #5: Create a Guest Wi-Fi Network

Before sharing access to your main home network, consider creating a separate guest network for visitors. I'm not suggesting your guests will attempt anything nefarious with your main Wi-Fi connection.

Still, their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without them knowing it. A guest network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats, and smart speakers -- devices that may not hold a lot of sensitive information and are perhaps more easily hackable than a smarter device like a computer or phone.

Tip #6: Use a 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.

Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but you can get a much more secure service if you pay a few extra bucks a month.

Tip #7: 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. Keeping your router and connected devices current with the latest updates will help ensure you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts.

Tip #8: Disable Remote Router 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 should be no reason to enable remote access.

You can disable remote access under the router's admin settings. Unlike other security measures, disabled remote router access may not be the default.

Tip #9: Inspect Your Devices

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 #10: Upgrade to a WPA3 Router

WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router, you should have nothing to worry about.

Many people rent their routers directly from the provider, which may not include the most up-to-date equipment. If your router was made before 2018, you might have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices.

The Bottom Line

Network security is not guaranteed. Even with the most recent and effective methods of protecting your home network, security will never be 100% certain. As long as there is the internet, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it.

With the tips above, you can better keep your network secure from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data. For more tips, check out how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and the ideal location for your router.