While there is no doubt that WiFi has numerous upsides, there are few but significant downsides too that are hard to ignore. And on top of the line are security issues which most people may think can be resolved with just a strong password.
Yes, a strong password is required for every WiFi connection so any stranger may not connect to it. But it alone may not be as effective as you might think. However, a few more measures in place may significantly improve your WiFi security and that is what I’ll discuss in this article. So, read on:
Place Your Router in a Central Location
Routers emit internet signals in all directions and are responsible for dispersing the WiFi signals to our devices. While you may place the router anywhere in your house, I believe it’s best to place your router in a central location for two reasons.
The first reason is to ensure that every nook and corner of your house gets the best connectivity. As WiFi signals travel via airwaves, their paths may be obstructed by colliding with heavy furniture, thick walls, or other radiations from other electronic devices.
Secondly, if the router is placed near the windows, the signal range spreads outside which makes it possible for hackers to access your WiFi connection. So ideally, you’d want the WiFi signal range to stay within the house so no one outside can access it.
In short, you may get better connectivity and security by placing your router at a central location in your house.
Use WPA3 Encryption
WiFi Protected Access or WPA is a security protocol and designed to secure the WiFi connections. The security protocols determine how and which security measures will be taken by your router to mitigate the security risks.
Talking about the security protocols, the WPA3 is the latest encryption protocol available. However, its availability may be an issue on old routers. That being said, if you have a WiFi6 router, then it’s likely you may not need to update your router to get WPA3 security protocols.
As WiFi6 routers may be fairly expensive for most users, another option you have is to go for secure internet gateways offered by reliable ISPs. xFi Advanced Gateway by Xfinity Internet is one example that offers the best security to keep online threats at bay.
Change Your Router’s Default Login Credentials and Settings
Most people may believe that a router’s credentials are the same as WiFi credentials. However, that is not the case because WiFi credentials help you connect to WiFi while with the router’s credentials, you can access the router’s settings.
On default settings, some vital security measures, for instance, firewall, SSID, encryption, and more may be disabled.
To change your router’s credentials, enter its IP address in the URL to access its settings. Also, you may access the router’s settings via its app (if available). This way, you may easily change the router’s settings and enable the security features you want.
Enable Firewall on Your Router
Most routers have built-in firewalls but they may be disabled by default. One reason is that firewalls may obstruct your online experience or restrict user’s access to some sites/programs on the internet.
However, enabling a firewall on your router may act as an additional security layer as it detects malware and viruses on the internet. That being said, if your router does not have a firewall, you may enable it on the devices connected to the internet.
Hide Your Network SSID
Hiding your service set identifier (SSID) may help your network become undetectable to nearby internet users. So, when anyone turns on the WiFi to see the available connections, your network won’t pop up on their screens. And since your network will be hidden, hackers may not be able to access it.
Also, if you do not want to hide your SSID, rename it to something unique that does not reveal any personal information.
Bonus Suggestion: Update Your Router Regularly
Before I wind up, one of the easiest ways to ensure the best security for your WiFi connection is to update your router frequently.
Like most electronic gadgets, routers may get frequent software and firmware updates from manufacturers. These updates may contain bug fixes, new features, or security measures to tackle known viruses or malware.
Also, modern routers may get automatic updates while you may need to install updates manually on old routers.
