Congratulations on getting your new router! So it’s time to set up your Wi-Fi and pretty soon you’ll be surfing online and streaming your favorite TV shows in no time. However, with your whole household’s internet enabled devices connected to the internet, you’ll need to take securing your Wi-Fi seriously to protect them from any potential online dangers and cybercriminals. So with security in mind, whether your internet providers is HughesNet satellite internet, Verizon, GotW3, or AT&T, here is how you can secure your Wi-Fi in five simple and easily digestible steps.
1. Change The Manufacturer’s Default Name For Your Wi-Fi Network
The first thing you can do to protect your Wi-Fi against unwanted access is to change the manufacturer’s default name for your Wi-Fi network. Most of the time, your router’s default name includes the name of the manufacturer within it. Unfortunately when this broadcasts for all your neighbors to see, it gives local hackers and cybercriminals a major hint to what your default password is and any exploits your router is known to have that they can use to gain unauthorized access to your network.
2. Disable Network SSID Broadcasting
Even after you change the default name to your network, broadcasting your network to all your neighbors attracts hackers, cybercriminals and anyone who wants free Wi-Fi to try to get into your network. Your Wi-Fi might be safe within a neighborhood of novices, however if anyone who truly knew how to hack into Wi-Fi networks was within broadcasting range, they could get in. All the security settings in the world can’t keep an expert cybercriminal out for long.
3. Enable WPA2 Network Encryption
While setting up your Wi-Fi network, you’ll have many options to review. Most people just go through the motions; however some care and due diligence should be taken. One of those things is to turn on your encryption setting as you are installing your router. All routers have encryption features available, but by default the feature is turned off. When you turn it on, you’ll have two options; WPA or WPA2. WPA2 is the most recent, most secure and therefore the most effective encryption type available today.
4. Password Protect Your Wi-Fi
Before you enjoy your newly set up Wi-Fi network, put a password on it! Password protecting your Wi-Fi is like locking the door after you come home after work. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked for strangers to invite themselves inside, so don’t do it with your Wi-Fi. Open Wi-Fi networks not only allow anyone to connect, but they also allow anyone to see anything connected to your network.
5. Keep Your Router’s Firmware Updated
Your router’s firmware is much like the software that runs on any of your internet enabled devices; it needs to be updated periodically. Your router’s manufacturer will send out updates that will include the latest security patches to ensure that any security flaw, whole or potential exploit is resolved or closed. Today most routers will update themselves, but there are a select few that do not do this on their own. You’ll need to update the firmware for them, but don’t worry. Updating your router’s firmware is easy to do within its mobile app.