Eight Steps to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

Most people know that they should protect their wireless internet network at home with a password. But even if you do, does that mean your home network is secure? Unfortunately, no — knowing how to secure home Wi-Fi means more than just learning how to set and how to change your Wi-Fi password. Knowing how to secure home Wi-Fi takes a multi-pronged approach — and a few ongoing actions.

But learning how to improve home Wi-Fi security is a crucial step in protecting your personal information and bank accounts. Here are the steps you need to set up a secure home network and keep your personal information safe online.

If you’re interested in further protecting yourself against identity theft, reach out to Farm Bureau.

Step 1: Change Your Network’s Name

Your wireless router (that is, the equipment that broadcasts the wireless signal that your computer, tablet or phone connects to) comes with certain default settings. This includes a name, known as an SSID (service set identifier). In most cases, the pre-determined SSID will reveal information about the router that hackers can use to tap into your network, such as router vulnerabilities or clues that help them determine the router’s default password.

Protect your home Wi-Fi by changing the SSID. You can find information about how to do this in your router’s manual. Be careful not to include details that can help hackers discover who the network belongs to, like your name or address number. 

You can also take your network’s protection one step further by turning off network name broadcasting. This feature will prevent your network from showing up on nearby devices, like a neighbor’s computer.

Step 2: Create a Unique Password…

Your router will also be equipped with a default password. You’ll want to know how to change the Wi-Fi password, so look it up in the manual. Changing this password will make it more difficult for hackers who have experience tapping into private networks to get in. And remember — your password should be hard to guess, but easy to remember.

Step 3: …and Update the Password on a Regular Basis

When you change your network password, all the devices that are connected to the network will be kicked off until the new password is entered on each device. So, you will need to reconnect your devices when you reset the password. But remember this also locks out users who may be using your Wi-Fi — and shouldn’t be. Regularly updating your password will ensure that nobody’s lurking on your network.

Step 4: Use Encryption

Encryption is one of the best tools you can use to protect your home Wi-Fi. Encryption puts the data you send via your network into a code, making it far more difficult for hackers to obtain personal information. The best option for encrypting Wi-Fi networks is Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), which is a standard feature of newer routers. However, encryption is usually disabled as part of the router’s default settings. Make sure encryption is turned on to set up a secure home network.

Step 5: Disable Remote Access

Remote access allows someone to manage your router’s settings and configuration from any web browser — no matter the location. When you turn this feature off, you make it harder for hackers to gain access to your home network. Check your router’s user manual to find out how to disable access on your router.

Step 6: Keep Your Router’s Firmware Up to Date

Your router, like most devices, runs on programs that are continually being updated by the manufacturer. A router’s programming is called firmware. By keeping your router’s firmware up to date, you’re also keeping your router up to date with the latest security features. It’s likely that your router downloads and installs firmware updates automatically, but check the manual for details.

Step 7: Turn Off the Router When You’re Not Using It

This may sound like overkill. But remember, when your router is on, it’s connected to the various devices you use, like a computer, phone, tablet or other devices. That means someone who hacks into your network may have access to all the connected devices, including those that contain sensitive information.

By turning your network off when it’s not in use — like when you go on vacation — you eliminate the hacker’s ability to access connected devices.

Step 8: Set Up a Guest Network

A guest network is a separate access point you can create to allow guests to access your Wi-Fi. This keeps them off your primary network, which connects all your devices that contain your personal information. Most newer routers can support a guest network, but you’ll need to set it up. This is an especially good idea if you have regular house guests or renters (like an Airbnb).

How to Know if Home Wi-Fi Is Hacked

Only an expert can tell if your home W-Fi has been hacked. But if your internet connection seems unusually slow for a long time, if you see unfamiliar devices in your router’s admin panel, if you’re locked out of your router altogether or if your computer is acting strangely, you might have been hacked.

If you are trying to access a website on your computer, tablet or phone while connected to your home Wi-Fi network and you are being repeatedly re-directed to another website, or if your devices seem like they’re acting strangely, then you may have been hacked — change your router password immediately, reset it and call an expert.

Another Layer of Protection

Farm Bureau can help you protect your personal information. You may want to consider purchasing Identity Services and Fraud Expense Coverage. Reach out to Farm Bureau today.