Understanding Internet Security: Protecting Your Home Network

Knowing how to secure your Wi-Fi network protects you against the growing problem of cybercrime. 2023 saw 6.06 billion malware attacks globally, while cyberattacks in the USA occur at a rate of almost one attack every 39 seconds. While advances in infrastructure such as fiber cables have made it more difficult for hackers to intercept data en route to your network, your Wi-Fi network remains vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your network from bad actors. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “How do I secure my Wi-Fi network?” this article is for you! Here, you’ll learn actionable tips to make your home network safer and more secure.

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Why Securing Your Wi-Fi Network Is Important

An unsecured Wi-Fi network is vulnerable to unauthorized access, increasing your risk of data theft and identity fraud. Once in your network, unauthorized individuals can compromise smart home devices, which typically have weak default security settings. In other words, leaving a virtual door open could result in someone accessing and opening your home’s smart locks, watching through security cameras, or listening in through baby monitors.

“Piggybacking” occurs when an authorized user gains access to an unencrypted network to use the internet connection. The piggybacker may not have any designs on your data, but they steal your bandwidth, slowing your internet speeds. If you run an internet speed test and it’s suspiciously low, someone may be piggybacking your network.

How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

1. Change the Default Network Name and Password

Wireless routers and smart devices come with default usernames and passwords. These default credentials are vulnerable, as they can be found online and used to access personal data, install malware, or mess with your network settings.

The first step to securing your network is to create a unique username and a strong password. Don’t use personally identifying information for either: while “TheHarrySmithNetwork” may be an easy username to remember, it also provides anyone within network range with your name.

The same goes for your network password. Don’t use anniversary dates, birthdays, or any other personal information. Instead, create a unique password using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols. Longer passwords (eight or more characters) are more secure.

One option is to find a quote, song lyric, or movie line that means something to you and use the first letter of each work in the quote. For instance, “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad / Take a sad song and make it better” would become “HJdmibTaSSamib.” Swap some of the letters out for symbols and numbers, and you get “HJd3i8Ta$$&3ib,” which looks like gibberish unless you know which lyric you used. Change the password every 3 – 6 months to be sure no one has gained access to it.

Usernames for Wi-Fi networks don’t need to be as unique, as devices looking for networks see a list of all networks within range; just keep sensitive information out of the name.

2. Enable WPA3 Encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available)

WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access and is a security standard that encrypts data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users even if they intercept it. The most recent and strongest WPA is WPA3, but older devices still use WPA2.

To configure your router for WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, take the following steps:

• Log in to your router console using a web browser on a device connected to your network.
• Look for router security settings under the “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or “Security” heading.
• Select WPA3-Personal or WPA3-Only.
• Apply your new changes and save.

3. Disable Remote Management and WPS

Remote Management allows you to access your router from anywhere with an internet connection, which increases the potential for unauthorized access and attacks through vulnerabilities in the router’s remote access tools. Turn Remote Management off by opening the router’s admin console and selecting Advanced>Advanced Setup>Remote Management. Uncheck the Turn Remote Management On box to disable this feature.

Another potential vulnerability is the router’s Wi-Fi Protected Setup, or WPS. WPS allows you to connect devices to the network without a password and is susceptible to “brute-force” attacks. Disable WPS within the router’s wireless settings and save your changed settings.

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4. Set Up a Guest Network

You may want to give guests access to your network. It is, after all, the hospitable thing to do. Unfortunately, doing so can lead to multiple people accessing your network. You may trust your sister, but do you want her somewhat shady boyfriend having your network password?

Setting up a guest network allows you to be a gracious host without granting people access to your main network. Look for “Guest Network” settings under your router’s Wi-Fi or Wireless tab. Enable Guest Network, assign it a network name, and create a simple but secure password for friends and family. Update the guest password regularly, just like your primary network password.

5. Keep Your Router’s Firmware Updated

Cyber security is an ever-changing arms race. Hackers discover a vulnerability in router firmware, and the router fixes the vulnerability. Back and forth, things go. When router manufacturers discover vulnerabilities, they release firmware updates and security patches. Not updating to the latest patch leaves you with outdated and vulnerable firmware.

You can choose to manually update the firmware or enable automatic updates. To manually update your router, find the firmware update section in your router settings under Advanced or Administration, select the button to check for updates, and upload the update to the router. Do this at least once a month.

For automatic updates, go to the firmware settings and enable automatic updates. The router will now update to new firmware as patches become available.

6. Turn Off Unused Features (Like UPnP and Port Forwarding)

Universal Plug and Play, or UPnP automatically connects devices on your network and lets them communicate through port forwarding. Unfortunately, port forwarding bypasses authentication protocols, and UPnP can be accessed remotely. This provides a way past your router’s firewall for unauthorized users. If you don’t use these features, you should disable them to keep your network secure.

7. Monitor Connected Devices and Network Activity

Unsure of what devices are on your network? You can check on the router’s admin page. The section you’re looking for may be Attached Devices, Device List, or DHCP Client List. Open this section, and you’ll see a list of devices, including the device name, MAC address, and IP address.

If you find a device on this list that shouldn’t be on your network, immediately change your Wi-Fi password and enable MAC Address Filtering, which will only allow recognized devices to connect to the network. Look for a section marked “New Device Alerts” as well, and enable notifications to alert you to any new additions to the network.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Home Network Security

• Use a VPN for extra encryption and privacy. VPNs encrypt all your data, including your browsing history, and help conceal your identity.
• Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your router login, which requires people trying to access the network to use a PIN or biometrics in addition to the network password.
• Position your router to minimize “signal leakage” or network signal spillover outside your house.
• Stay informed on the latest advancements in router security and enable them when possible.

Knowing How to Secure a Wi-Fi Network is Essential

Strong passwords, WPA3, and the disabling of WPS and UPnP all help you reap the benefits of a secure network: faster Internet, stronger data protection, and improved peace of mind. Now that you know how to secure your Wi-Fi network, what are you waiting for? Check your Wi-Fi settings today and keep hackers and piggybackers at bay!