Accelerated broadband speeds and considerate tariffs have made panicking about your data usage a thing of the past. But that does not suggest that you should disregard the Wi-Fi users. Determining who and what is on your network is more crucial than ever, whether you are at home or a small business user. People throughout the world use Wi-Fi, as it has evolved into an essential component of our fast-paced daily lives. However, there is no such thing as hacker-proof security or 100% security. But there are easy-to-follow, uncomplicated strategies you can implement to safeguard your data and maintain its confidentiality.
How Does a Home Wi-Fi Network Work?
Your home Wi-Fi network is the way you connect to the internet wirelessly using a wireless router that sends a signal through the air. However, without proper security measures, anyone within range can potentially access your network and use your internet connection without permission. This means that your online activities and personal information could be at risk of being seen by strangers. Additionally, if someone uses your unprotected network for illegal activities, the authorities could trace the activity back to you. So, while Wi-Fi offers convenience and flexibility, it is essential to take measures to secure your network and protect your privacy.
How to secure your Home Wi-Fi Network from hackers?
Securing your home Wi-Fi network is essential to prevent hackers from accessing your personal information or using your internet connection for malicious activities. Here are some measures you can take to secure your home Wi-Fi network from hackers:
- Change your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: The default network name and password that comes with your router are easy to guess. Change them to something unique and substantial, and avoid using any personal information that could be easily guessed.
- Use WPA2 encryption: WPA2 or Wi-Fi Protected Access II is a robust encryption protocol that provides high security for your Wi-Fi network. Make sure WPA2 encryption is enabled on your router.
- Disable WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature that allows you to quickly connect new devices to your network, but hackers can also exploit it. Disable WPS to prevent unauthorized access.
- Update your router’s firmware: Router manufacturers often release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure you update your router’s firmware regularly to stay protected.
- Enable MAC address filtering: MAC address filtering allows you to create a whitelist of devices that are allowed to connect to your network. This can prevent unauthorized devices from accessing your Wi-Fi network.
- Disable remote management: Remote management allows you to access your router’s settings from anywhere, but hackers can also use it to gain access to your network. Disable remote management to prevent unauthorized access.
- Turn off SSID broadcasting: SSID broadcasting allows anyone in range to see your network name. Turning off SSID broadcasting can make it harder for hackers to find your network.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi password: Your Wi-Fi network password must be at least 12 characters long and incorporate a mix of upper and lowercase letters, digits, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, address, or birthdate.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the security of your home Wi-Fi network and reduce the risk of hacking.
What are some ways to find or reset your Wi-Fi network password if you cannot remember it?
You can find your Wi-F network password by looking at the back or bottom of your router or by accessing your router’s settings through a computer or mobile device. If you have changed your Wi-Fi password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to its default settings, which will also reset the password to the default. Please note that resetting your router will erase any custom settings you may have configured, so it’s essential to back up your settings before doing so.
Report published by Global Economic Value of Wi-Fi 2021-2025
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