5 Essentials for Wireless Network Security

Protecting your digital security and privacy is essential with cybersecurity threats growing. Using your computer’s antivirus software, downloading anti-malware tools, updating your software, and refraining from opening unsafe websites, links, and downloads are some of the important ways to safeguard yourself digitally. But did you know that cybercriminals can also exploit network weaknesses to threaten you? Follow these tips for network safety:

Router Safety Tips

• Please don’t use the default SSID (Service Set Identifier) for your router because a hacker can take advantage of it to identify the model and any weaknesses. Have fun with the name but don’t use a title that identifies you or your family.

• While you’re changing the SSID, change the default administrator password too. Experienced hackers will usually try default passwords to break into a router. Similarly, use a sophisticated password for your WiFi network.

• You can opt to disable SSID broadcast to prevent your router from showing your network to strangers.

• Use the best available WiFi encryption keys like WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK that’s much better than WEP.

• Update your router’s firmware to potentially plug any vulnerabilities hackers can use to attack your network or create botnets. You can learn how to update your router firmware from a technology website.

• Consider changing your router if it carries critical security weakness and the manufacturer no longer offers security patches.

Activate Firewall

Whether you use Windows or macOS, you can activate a network firewall. Many routers also have firewalls. Your firewall is a network security system that functions as a border patrol. It monitors network traffic and blocks untrustworthy traffic based on predetermined rules. You can always modify the firewall rules to allow a program you want to connect to the Internet.

Use Public WiFi Networks Carefully

Public WiFi networks often use weak or nonexistent security settings to encourage people to connect. Hackers can breach these networks and attack users, stealing sensitive information in minutes. Many hackers also create malicious networks that look reputable to catch unsuspecting individuals. For example, you may connect to a network with a Starbucks or Pizza Hut SSID, not realizing it’s a trap set by a threat actor. You can always try a VPN service to encrypt your data on public WiFi networks but remember that many free VPNs spy on users and log their data. So, use a service with a no-logging policy and secure VPN technology.

Deactivate WiFi Connectivity

Having your mobile device’s WiFi on is helpful at home so you can conveniently use the Internet whenever you want without relying on your data plan. But consider deactivating your device’s WiFi when you’re on the go until you need it to stop connecting to potentially dangerous networks.

Deactivate Bluetooth

Your device’s Bluetooth helps you connect to smart devices at home like speakers, TV, and coffee makers. It may even help you program some of your vehicle’s software. But leaving your phone’s Bluetooth on constantly can put your data at considerable risk, because hackers can exploit the technology to steal data or drop malware. Read more about why you should turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it.

These are five essential tips for network security. You don’t have to worry about hackers breaching your network with the best precautions.