Most households now run a wireless network (Wi-Fi) so that laptops, TVs, smartphones and gaming devices have access to the internet.
Protect your Wi-Fi network with some of the following tips!
Change the name of your router. The name of your router (called the service set identifier or SSID) is likely a default ID assigned by the manufacturer. Change the name to something unique that won’t easily be guessed by others.
Turn network name broadcasting off. Wireless routers may broadcast the name of the router to the public. This feature is often used by businesses that offer wireless internet access to customers, but is typically unnecessary for a home network. Many routers allow you to turn this feature off.
Change your router’s default password. Most wireless routers come with a default password allowing you to set up and operate the router. Unauthorized users may be familiar with default passwords, so it is important to change the password as soon as the router is set up. Use a complex password made up of a mix of numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters.
Turn encryption on. Encryption scrambles the information you send over your Wi-Fi network into a code so that it is not easily accessible. Wireless routers often come out of the box with the encryption feature disabled, so it is important to turn it on as soon as your router is installed. Using encryption is the most effective way to secure your network from unauthorized users.
Turn the firewall on. A firewall is designed to protect your computer from harmful intrusions by blocking communications with unauthorized sources. Wireless routers generally contain built-in firewalls, but sometimes come out of the box with the firewall turned off. Be sure to check the firewall settings when your router is installed.
In addition to the tips above, make sure that that all of your internet-enabled devices have the latest operating system, web browsers and security software installed. This includes mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) that access your wireless network.
