7 ways to properly secure your home Wi-Fi network

We always let our guard down when connected to our home Wi-Fi network. Even though we think we’re safe, we’re still vulnerable to hackers and cyber thieves.

The risks:
After installing a Wi-Fi router at your house, you might experience lag and slow bandwidth. Many times it’s because you installed a package deal that doesn’t contain high-speed internet. Other factors like walls or doors hinder the connection that travels from the router to your device. 

In the worst case, a hacker lock picked your router and siphoned your Wi-Fi draining the speed and bandwidth to steal your digital assets. Here are some solutions to secure your Wi-Fi network:

1) Change the password
A quick no-brainer is to change the initial generic password given upon installation. One of a hacker’s first tries at bypassing anything is applying simple and short passwords which oftentimes work. Put a password that utilizes different characters, symbols, and various capital letters. A tough password will prevent hackers from gaining a foothold in your network.

2) Change the name of your SSID
For hackers to even gain a foothold, they must have discovered your network. When we receive a router from our ISP, we usually leave the SSID (Service Set Identifier) which usually suggests the manufacturer of the router. Anyone can simply do a basic Google search on how to forcefully gain access to this specific hardware. A solution is to change the SSID to a name that doesn’t reveal your name, address, or any personal information. 

3) Hide it
On the same note, you can hide your network from peering eyes so that your SSID will be invisible to anyone within your router’s range. This is useful and safe if you want to be completely off the grid.  

4) Update your firmware
Make sure to keep your router software updated whenever one is available. A router’s firmware is like any device that needs constant updating. Hackers find new ways to infiltrate a router’s system and exploit it to their advantage. If you never heard of your router automatically updating, it’s because it needs to be done manually. 

5) Disable remote access
Some routers have a built-in option to configure any settings remotely. So, if you’re at work and you want to access the settings, you can do that without having to be connected to the router. Hackers can also access this remote entree and steal your information.

6) Turn off your router
Turning off your router whenever it’s feasible is a safe method to alleviate potential risks. When no one is home and nothing is downloading, then there’s no reason to leave the router operating. 

7) Use a VPN
Connecting a VPN to your router will not only streamline a secure connection but can be customized so that the connected devices can have their own settings to abide with. You can connect your phone to a server in Canada while your laptop and gaming console to Singapore. VPNs create an encrypted and secure tunnel that channels your internet activities safely so that no one can see what you’re doing or which websites you’re accessing. 

Final thoughts
Applying just one tactic will reduce the risk of a digital invasion. In these critical times, the best solution is to combine the methods to ensure total safety in your home network. By taking the necessary actions against hackers, you’ll be able to bottleneck the threats and take control of your internet.