7 Tips on How to Better Secure Your Home Network
Ensure your home Wi-Fi service set identifier(SSID) is not the default one
The SSID is the network’s name. Many manufacturers give their wireless routers a default SSID. When a computer with a wireless connection searches for and displays the nearby wireless networks, it lists each network that publicly broadcasts its SSID. It's better to change the network’s SSID from the default to something unique that does not disclose any personal information.
Turn off network name broadcasting
The SSID is the network’s name. Many manufacturers give their wireless routers a default SSID. When a computer with a wireless connection searches for and displays the nearby wireless networks, it lists each network that publicly broadcasts its SSID. It's better to change the network’s SSID from the default to something unique that does not disclose any personal information.
Turn off network name broadcasting
Broadcasting your network name is typically only beneficial to public Wi-Fi hotspots, like coffee shops, and other locations that want to provide public access to the internet. By turning off network name broadcasting you make it more difficult for malicious actors to find.
Make a strong and unique network password
Most wireless routers come with a default password. This default password is easy to guess or find, especially if they know the router's manufacturer. When selecting a password for your wireless network, make sure it's at least 12 characters long (the longer the better) not in the dictionary and includes special characters, numbers and different case letters.
Check that your network encryption is on
By default encryption is turned off on your router. Turning on your wireless router’s encryption setting can help secure your network.
Make sure your router’s software is up to date
A router’s firmware, like any other software, can contain bugs that can become vulnerabilities unless they are quickly updated with a firmware patch from the manufacturer. New firmware security vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. Keep your router's software up to date with the newest releases.
Check that your firewall is active
A "firewall" is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Wireless routers usually have built-in firewalls but they are sometimes shipped with the firewall turned off. Be sure to check that the wireless router’s firewall is turned on. If your router doesn't have a firewall installed by default, make sure you install a good firewall application on your system to prevent malicious access attempts to your network.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to access your network
A VPN extends a private network across public networks and enables you to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if your computer were directly connected to the private network.
Make a strong and unique network password
Most wireless routers come with a default password. This default password is easy to guess or find, especially if they know the router's manufacturer. When selecting a password for your wireless network, make sure it's at least 12 characters long (the longer the better) not in the dictionary and includes special characters, numbers and different case letters.
Check that your network encryption is on
By default encryption is turned off on your router. Turning on your wireless router’s encryption setting can help secure your network.
Make sure your router’s software is up to date
A router’s firmware, like any other software, can contain bugs that can become vulnerabilities unless they are quickly updated with a firmware patch from the manufacturer. New firmware security vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. Keep your router's software up to date with the newest releases.
Check that your firewall is active
A "firewall" is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Wireless routers usually have built-in firewalls but they are sometimes shipped with the firewall turned off. Be sure to check that the wireless router’s firewall is turned on. If your router doesn't have a firewall installed by default, make sure you install a good firewall application on your system to prevent malicious access attempts to your network.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to access your network
A VPN extends a private network across public networks and enables you to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if your computer were directly connected to the private network.