Updated on May 18, 2023.
There are a number of ways you can secure your home WiFi network, but some of the primary strategies include turning on encryption, creating a guest WiFi network and using a strong password.
Continue reading to learn about the potential consequences of your network being vulnerable along with steps you can take to protect yourself.
How Your Home WiFi Network Works
Home WiFi uses a modem and router. The modem connects to the internet, and the router distributes the signal throughout your home so you can connect to it. Often combined into one device these days, the modem and router together create your private home WiFi network. Out of the box, the network is secured with a default password you use to log in for the first time – usually found on a sticker on the bottom of your modem.
Most people log into the network on their devices once and never think about their connection again unless something goes wrong. However, there are some important steps you should take to protect yourself from cyber attacks related to unsecured WiFi networks. They only take a few minutes and most need to be done only once.
WiFi security vulnerabilities
As more and more devices connect to WiFi in our homes – from tablets and phones to smart refrigerators – our WiFi network has access to more private data and information about our lives. While it may seem strange that anyone would want to connect to your network, keep in mind your unencrypted internet traffic has enough private information to steal your identity.
Identity theft has terrible consequences. Thieves can ruin a victim’s credit score by opening credit cards and not paying them off, stealing every dollar in the victim’s bank accounts, transferring the victim’s home to their name or committing crimes for which the victim could be blamed. Threat actors have also used unsecured WiFi to gain access to baby monitors and other connected devices. Although less serious, other cybercriminals just steal WiFi for their own free use, which can affect your internet speeds and open up the possibility of other cybercrimes being committed while connected to your network. It’s worth taking a few extra steps to ensure your home is secure from these cyber threats.
Steps to Secure Your Home WiFi Network
Here are some steps recommended to everyone with home WiFi in order to prevent the most common cyber attacks.
1. Protect your network with a strong password
The default password provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is easy to crack with a bot and passwords are a common weakness for cybercriminals to exploit. You should change it to your own strong password with at least 16 characters, featuring a randomized mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
If you have trouble remembering your passwords, a password manager is a great option. Password managers automatically generate strong passwords and securely store them for you. A master password allows you to access your password vault, which is the only password you need to remember.
2. Change the network name
While you’re changing your password, change the default network name included with your router. The network name is also called the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Cybercriminals are more likely to target networks with default SSIDs because it implies the owner has inadequate cyber hygiene and can reveal the ISP. Be sure to use an SSID that does not include any identifying information, such as your name.
3. Create a guest WiFi network
A guest network is a limited WiFi connection that allows people to use your router to connect to the internet without gaining access to your primary network, along with all of your connected devices. This network will have a separate password, which should also be strong.
Of course, your visitors are unlikely to connect to your WiFi in order to attack you, but connecting strange devices you don’t have control over always poses a risk. Security is only as strong as the weakest link and if your visitor’s cyber hygiene is less developed than yours, your network could be exposed to malware or become compromised. It’s also better to keep your primary network password secure by reserving it for just a few people.
You can set up a guest network through your ISP or in the WiFi network settings on your computer.
4. Turn on your router’s encryption
WiFi encryption is like sending all your information through a coder, and the only people who can decode it are those on your private network. This prevents threat actors from stealing data by monitoring you.
WiFi encryption protocols have evolved over the years – WPA3 is the newest and best. Some routers may only have WPA2 available, and this protocol is also adequate. If neither of these protocols are an option on your router, then consider updating it to a more secure option.
If encryption is not already enabled, you can update it in your ISP admin settings. The majority of routers already have built-in firewalls, too, and while you’re in the admin settings it’s also worth ensuring that’s enabled.
5. Regularly update your router
Updating your router is key to preventing attacks on your WiFi network. Exploitable weaknesses may develop because of new cyber attack methods or previously unknown vulnerabilities being uncovered, both of which can be addressed with software patches released by the company that makes your router. However, you must download updates right away in order not to miss any important patches.
6. Disable SSID broadcasting
When you open the WiFi options on your computer, you will see a list of WiFi networks. If you’ve ever lived in an apartment building, you’re probably familiar with the long list of network names, one for each nearby apartment, that can appear. This is called “SSID broadcasting.”
This broadcasting should be turned off so that your neighbors (or cybercriminals) won’t be able to see your network on the list. You can turn the broadcast off in your WiFi settings. SSID broadcasting is useful for public WiFi networks, such as at the airport. However, you won’t use the SSID much at home. Why make it easier for cybercriminals to find your network? For convenience, it’s fine to allow your guest network to continue to broadcast. Your primary network will still remain hidden.
7. Use a VPN for further protection
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) secures your data on public WiFi networks, such as at the library or a coffee shop. It may not always be necessary to use with your secured home network. However, some people prefer to use a VPN, even at home, to prevent their ISP from tracking their movements online. For example, you may want to access geo-blocked content. If you are unbothered by the downsides, using a VPN at home can provide an extra layer of security.
Home Security Includes Your Network
The security of your home shouldn’t just include strong locks on doors and a security system – your digital life deserves protection when at home, too, especially when so many devices with important data are connected to your home network. Take these simple steps to secure your network and protect against cyber attacks and identity theft. If you take just one action today, download Keeper Security’s password manager to generate and store strong passwords for your home WiFi network and all of your online accounts.
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