Securing Home Wi-Fi

Follow These simple tips to make your home network more secure

Download the guide here.

Your router is your home’s gateway to the internet; everything you do online passes through your router, so it’s a common target for hacking. Ipso facto, the more devices you own and connect, the more reason to secure your router.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Consider the first six mandatory, and the last four additional measures.

Change the Name of Your Network

Changing your router’s SSID (the name you see when you connect), makes it harder for hackers to know what kind of router you’re using. Avoid using Personally Identifiable Information (John McAfee’s Wifi) for additional security.

Change Your Router’s Passwords

If a hacker knows the model of your router, guessing the default password is surprisingly easy. A 20-character password with a mix of numbers, letters and symbols is much more secure. You can do the same for your Network Admin password.

Check Your Router’s Encryption Settings

There are a few types of encryption that your router could be using, though most routers since 2006 use WPA2 or 3 (both are considered secure). You can check by following these steps. Importantly, do not use WPS.

Disable UPnP and Remote Access

UPnP allows connecting malicious devices without a password. Remote Access enables outsiders to access your router settings. You should disable them in your router settings (if you can, some routers won’t let you turn off remote access).

Keep Your Router’s Software Up-To-Date

Unfortunately a lot of routers don’t have an auto-update setting, but keeping your software up-to-date will fix vulnerabilities in your network.

Enable Your Network’s Firewall or Install One

Many routers have a built in firewall you can enable for added security. If your router doesn’t, it’s possible to install one separately.

Shut Off Your Router When Away

Disconnecting your router means hackers can’t connect to your devices, so it may be beneficial if you plan to be offline for an extended period.

Additional Steps

You can run periodic vulnerability scans using private software, or setting up MAC filtering, which allows you to limit access to specific devices.

Consider Changing Your Default IP

In the Network Administrator settings you can change the default IP address (the web address you use to access your Network Admin Settings), making the admin panel harder to locate.

Consider Turning Off DHCP Settings

Routers automatically assign IP addresses to devices on the network. You can turn this setting off and assign IP addresses to your devices manually, making them harder to locate.