7 Actionable Tips To Protect Your Home Wireless Internet From Hackers
Security is an essential component of every home whether that pertains to your front door or your router. The world is going through an online revolution. You become more vulnerable to the schemes set up by hackers now that more people are exploring the World Wide Web.
Most people have become too dependent on their internet connection, such that almost every gadget in their homes is connected to the WiFi network. Your phones, laptop, and every other device, all of these are connected to your WiFi and could be easily busted in a single attack. The router has unwittingly become the sentry of your WiFi network. Check out these tips to make sure that only those with good intentions are allowed to have access to your system.
- Change the name of your home WiFi
Your home wireless network has a name as represented by the Service Set Identifier or SSID. Other wireless networks within the vicinity also have their own names that will appear when you tap your phone’s wireless internet icon. “Your router may already come with a default SSID, but you should consider changing it for personal and security reasons,” explains Kurt, network engineer at Melita home internet, a company that provides internet network in Europe.
SSIDs are usually listed in the rainbow table or dictionaries used to crack passwords. Sticking to a default wireless network name that can be easily cracked by hackers does not make sense at all. It will only make your network more vulnerable.
- Change the password of your router and WiFi
Just like your SSID, your router and wireless network also come with a default password. Both are pretty common and can be easily accessed by just about anyone. If you do not change your passwords, hackers may beat you to it, and you may even be locked out of the network. Hackers can log in to your system and introduce malware and viruses. But more than that, they can even use your wireless system and IP address for identity theft and other illegal acts.
As much as possible, avoid sharing your WiFi password to your neighbors. Choose a strong password if you do not want strangers and even the whole neighborhood to benefit from free WiFi access and slow down your connection. You can even change your password regularly or after a few months to keep your connection safe.
- Check if your router is secure
Your router is your wireless network’s first line of defense so make sure it is safe and secure from hackers out to attack your system by hijacking your Domain Name Server or DNS. Hackers usually do this to gain access to your identity and your financial information. There is a free web service that will allow you to check the security status of your home network.
Check for suspicious activities when using your internets such as an ineffective router login or software installations you do not know about. One very obvious warning that something is wrong with your WiFi’s security is the appearance of antivirus fake messages.
- Disable auto connects
Most users enable auto-connect when they join networks for convenience purposes. It may be annoying to be prompted to enter a password every time you connect to a network, but disabling the auto-connect option is recommended for safety and security purposes.
- Regularly check connected devices in your router
Most internet users opt for wireless routers because it can be connected to as many devices as needed. The same convenience can be favorable to hackers so make sure you regularly check the devices that are allowed connection to your network. If you still see a flickering light on the router after you have unplugged all your devices, then you may have an uninvited guest.
- Set up a guest WiFi
Instead of revealing your password to a guest, why not create a WiFi network for your guest? This way, they can still connect to your internet, but you keep your main network and your personal information secure.
- Make use of the Wireless Network Encryption
Use the WPA2 algorithm to safeguard your home WiFi. However, this encryption may not be compatible with older devices so this may be the best time to upgrade. You can set this encryption method through the wireless properties in your network settings.
If all these safety measures to protect your wireless connection fail and you suspect that your connection has been hacked, immediately contact your internet provider for the necessary support. You can also report this to the police cyber crime department.
