Don’t Ignore These 10 Wi-Fi Network Security Tips

If you’re throwing a party and expecting a lot of guests, your priority is likely to be making sure there’s enough food and drink to go around. But have you considered how many unknown devices will be joining your Wi-Fi network? If those devices are infected with malware, or any of your guests inadvertently download a virus while connected to your main network, it could compromise your security.

Once someone with malicious intent gains access to your network, they could access and control any of your connected devices, install malicious software, and spy on sensitive data like credit card numbers and live camera feeds.

A secure home network will help reduce the risk of hacking and having someone access your sensitive information. It also keeps unwanted or unauthorized users and devices at bay slow down your connection or freeload on the internet service you pay for.

Below, you will find 10 simple and quick steps to secure your home network. Some are more effective than others in keeping hackers and freeloaders down, but all are useful in their own way.

It should be noted that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hacking attempts. These tips will only make it much more difficult for someone to compromise your network and data. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out How to know if your Internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and ours tips to speed up your Wi-Fi connection).

Tips for securing your Wi-Fi network at home

Here are the basics for protecting your home Wi-Fi network. Continue reading for more information on each below.

• Place your router in a central location.
• Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often.
• Change the default router login credentials.
• Turn on the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.
• Create a guest network.
• Use a VPN.
• Keep your router and devices updated.
• Disable access to the remote router.
• Check connected devices.
• Upgrade to a WPA3 router.

1. Place your router in a central location

Strong network security starts with an optimized setup. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help you maintain your connection at the boundaries of your home. As a bonus, it will probably do for the better connection quality.

For example, if you have Internet in an apartment where the neighbors are immediately to the left and right of you, placing your router next to a shared wall could send a strong and tempting signal in its way. A good router can flash signals near or across the street, even if you are not in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces the amount of those signals traveling outside your home. CNET recommends the TP-Link Archer AX21, which performed well in terms of speed and range and featured low latency when we tested it.

2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often

This must it goes without saying, but I still cover it to emphasize its importance: Creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintain a secure connection. Avoid passwords or easily guessed phrases, such as someone’s name, birthday, phone number or other common information. While simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they are also easier for others to guess. You can easily access the router settings to update your Wi-Fi password.

Oh and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you suspect your network security has been compromised. The more frequently you change your password, the less compromised it will be.

3. Change the default router login credentials

In the same line of password protection your Wi-Fi network, you also want to prevent anyone from being able to directly access the settings of the router.

To do that, go ahead and change the router’s administrator name and password. You can access your router’s settings by typing its IP address into the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that allows you to access the same settings and information. If you are not sure how to set your IP address, read our guide.

Your router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you are not sure what the default is, you should be able to find it at the bottom of the router. Or, if it was changed from the default somewhere along the way, Here’s how to access your router’s settings to update username and password.

4. Turn on the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption

Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to prevent anyone from spying on the data sent back and forth between your router and connected devices. Both are typically enabled by default, but you should check to make sure they are enabled​​​​​​​​​​​​​​in your router settings.

Now that you know how to access the router settings, make sure that the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they are off for any reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you.

5. Create a guest Wi-Fi network

Before sharing access to your main home network, consider creating a separate host network for visitors. I’m not suggesting that your guests will try anything nefarious with your main Wi-Fi connection, but their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without that they know.

A host network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi camera, smart thermostats and smart speakers — devices that may not contain much sensitive information and are perhaps more easily hackable than a more intelligent device such as a computer or phone.

6. Use a VPN

There are a few reasons to use a good VPNand network security is one of them. A virtual private network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data.

VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can also add a layer of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but if you pay a few extra bucks a month, you can get a much more secure service. The other advantages of using a VPN are that it can be great for streaming and for online games.

7. Keep your router and devices updated

Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies are aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Keep updating on regular downloads.

Keeping your router and connected devices current with the latest updates will help ensure you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. Set your router to automatically update in the admin settings, if possible, and check periodically to make sure your router is up to date.

8. Disable remote router access

Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router’s settings. Unless you need to access your router while away from home (to check or change the configuration of a child’s connected device, for example), there should be no reason to have remote access enabled.

You can disable remote access under the router’s admin settings. Unlike other security measures, disabling remote router access may not be the default.

9. Check the connected devices

Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and make sure you know what they are. If anything here looks suspicious, disconnect it and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing your password, you have to reconnect all your connected devices first, but any users or devices that are not authorized to use your network will get the boot.

Some devices, especially obscure IoT ones, can have weird default names of random numbers and letters that you don’t immediately recognize. If you encounter something like this when auditing your connected devices, disconnect them. Later, when you can’t start yours robot vacuum cleaner from your phone, you know that’s what it was.

10. Upgrade to a WPA3 router

WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router, there should be nothing to worry about. Many people rent their routers directly from the providerwhich may not include the most up-to-date equipment.

If your router was made before 2018, you may have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search of the model of your device should tell you when it came out and any specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you have a router with WPA2, call your supplier and negotiate for a better and newer router.

Basically? Network security is not guaranteed

Again, even with the latest and most effective methods of protecting your home network, security will never be 100% secure. As long as the internet exists, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better keep your network safe from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data.

For more tips, check out how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and the ideal place for your router.