WiFi Security Best Practices for Safe Internet Use
The explosive growth of mobile devices and the immense popularity of wireless networking has significantly increased the risk of data breaches and other cybersecurity threats. Business secrets, bank account information, and even people’s identities can be compromised.
Considering the many risks that Wi-Fi usage might invite, some safety protocols (like WEP, WPA, etc.) are usually put in place to allow devices to safely connect, communicate, and transfer data over Wi-Fi networks.
While these are critical, there are many things that you can do on your own to ensure safe internet use. Here’s a rundown of some of the most viable practices:
1. Use Firewalls
A firewall protects the wireless network by preventing unauthorized inbound traffic. This is especially helpful in preventing malware and other malicious software attacks. The firewall functions as a barrier between your network and the outside world, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic and enforcing security rules to prevent potential threats. You can also control which ports, protocols, and IP addresses can communicate with your network.
Firewalls often include logging and reporting features that allow you to examine and analyze network traffic patterns, security incidents, and potential threats. This data can assist you in identifying suspicious behaviors, investigating security issues, and taking proactive measures to increase network security.
To use a firewall, go to the router’s configuration page and turn the firewall option on. Once you do that, the router will likely reboot to accommodate the changes.
2. Alter the Default Credentials
Many routers come with an easy-to-guess default password. This is a security risk since it allows unauthorized users to possibly get network access. This necessitates the use of a strong password that will better protect your network.
To make your passwords tough to crack:
- Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
- Do not use recognizable words or combinations expressing birthdays or other information that hackers can relate to you.
- Do not reuse the older passwords.
- Do not include your personal financial information in these passwords.
Besides, changing both the access names and passwords makes it extremely difficult for anyone to acquire access. This way, you can add the requisite layer of defense against unauthorized access and data breaches.
3. Enable a VPN
Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks – coffee shops, airports, and hotels, for example. And not just public networks, a VPN is helpful in ensuring that your privacy isn’t compromised when working remotely, operating on a shared building network, and more.
A VPN prevents your data from getting breached by adding an extra layer of security. It helps establish a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This way, it shields your data from eavesdropping.
Also, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring that even if someone intercepts the data you send and receive over a Wi-Fi network, they won’t be able to understand it without the encryption key. Since public Wi-Fi networks are frequently less secure than private ones, there’s a constant need to encrypt your traffic.
A VPN also conceals your IP address, making it impossible for websites or internet services to track your online actions. That said, use VPNs only from reputable providers with a no-logs policy, strong encryption standards, and high and consistent quality of service.
4. Update the Router’s Firmware
Regularly updating the firmware on your router provides comprehensive network security. These updates frequently address reported security flaws in the router’s software, which are known to degrade performance. Firmware updates also address software problems and stability issues found by the manufacturer or reported by users.
Sometimes, through these updates, manufacturers may incorporate new security features or reinforce existing ones. Improvements to encryption techniques, authentication mechanisms, and access control may be among the features.
Firmware updates may even feature compatibility enhancements when new devices and networking standards emerge. Updating the firmware guarantees that your router can communicate with the most recent devices, take advantage of new features, and maintain secure connections in an ever-changing technological landscape.
The firmware on your router must be upgraded for all these security benefits. This can be accomplished by following a few steps where you sign into the respective router’s firmware, look for firmware updates, and install them.
5. Disable Unnecessary Router Services
Some router services, such as Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), Telnet, etc., might serve some useful functions to streamline your Wi-Fi connections. But for the most part, these services can be unnecessary and pave the way for security loopholes. Hackers could launch Denial of Service attacks or compromise your network by exploiting these networking services. To curtail such security risks, only enable services that are truly required on your router. This can be done by configuring your router’s settings.
6. Always Have an Antivirus Software Installed
An antivirus program can help protect your device from malware, viruses, and other threats that can lead to compromised security. These programs help with real-time threat detection, scanning, and removal of malware, thus, protecting your device and network from a wide range of threats. Use these security utilities to perform scheduled scans of your system and prevent infected files from spreading across your network.
So, there you have it! These are some of the most effective security measures you can take to help secure your router. Doing all or most of these things is well worth it to help protect your network.