The internet is a massive faceless frontier with organizations and people constantly searching for resources to launch their next attack, steal information, or just create a little bit of chaos. While you can’t do anything to directly take on these threats to eliminate your risk, you can make yourself less of an inviting target.
You may be thinking…why would anyone want access to my information? Bank accounts, credit card numbers, other personal information related to your property, your vacation schedule (your home is an easy target if you’re cruising the ocean…thanks social media!), and on and on. Some people may just want free Netflix!
Hackers will either attack your router directly or the Wi-Fi connection between your client (laptop, desktop, mobile device, IoT device (that cool app has to connect to your refrigerator somehow, right?), etc. Your Wi-Fi network is an easy target for bad actors if you don’t take some simple preventative measures. While we won’t go into the details of how they may attack your Wi-Fi, we will briefly look at what you can do to make it a bit harder for them and maybe just have them move on to your neighbor…that guy who still hasn’t returned your weed whacker.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create a tough-to-crack password for your Wi-Fi network, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easy-to-guess information like your name or address. This keeps unwanted visitors out of your network. How do you remember that crazy password? Utilize a password management tool or write them down…yes, that’s right. Write them down and lock them up if it makes you feel better…just don’t carry them around with you with the word ‘password’ written in bold sharpie across the top…no.
- Encrypt Your Network: Enable encryption like WPA2 or WPA3 on your router. Encryption scrambles your data so hackers can’t read it, adding a layer of protection. This is usually set as a default setting but you can check it and usually get simple walkthrough instructions from your provider’s website.
- Change Your Wi-Fi Name: Modify the default name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) to something unique. Avoid using personal info that could identify you, making it harder for attackers to target you. This is a good thing to do even if you don’t hide your SSID. Hackers will see the default name and know that you likely have not done much else to secure your home network.
- Keep Your Router Updated: Regularly check for updates for your router’s software and install them. These updates often include fixes for security issues, and keeping your network safe. You cannot rely on your internet provider to do this for you.
- Set Up a Guest Network: If possible, create a separate network for guests. This keeps their devices isolated from your main network, protecting your privacy. You can even isolate your IoT devices on your Wi-Fi network as many of these devices could be easy targets.
- Filter MAC Addresses: Use MAC address filtering to allow only specific devices to connect to your network. This adds another layer of security by only allowing trusted devices. While this may be a little more complicated sounding, your provider (or even the device FAQ) should have some easy-to-follow information to help.
- Disable WPS: Turn off Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) on your router. This feature can be vulnerable to attacks, so it’s safer to keep it off. There are fewer devices these days that rely on this feature for the initial setup of the connection.
- Configure Your Firewall: Set up your router’s firewall to block suspicious incoming traffic. This helps keep out hackers and malware. This is another action that for some is a bit more advanced, but most devices have easy-to-follow instructions. A tip – make one change at a time and try it out to ensure all works. If you get to the point that you are locked out or can’t connect, press that reset to default button and start over. It’s a good idea as well to jot some notes as you go to help you remember what you did.
- Turn Off Remote Management: Disable remote management of your router to prevent unauthorized access. This stops hackers from changing your router’s settings from afar. You think you’ll need it…but you won’t. You don’t need to make changes while you’re sitting at your local cafe…and that’s a whole different set of problems waiting to happen.
- Regular Security Checks: Periodically audit your network’s security to spot and fix any vulnerabilities. This proactive approach keeps your network safe from evolving threats. This can be simple, like looking at the logs on your router, visiting your provider or device manufacturer’s website for updates/alerts, or not telling your brother the password and watching him try to connect.
While these tips are not the end-all guarantee that you will always be safe from any attacks, you can become less of a target by having hackers look for an easier one. It’s like being chased by a bear…you only need to run faster than your slowest friend.
