It’s a feelgood Friday feature for you, as many people now WFH, sometimes freelance, other times under contract. Either way, it pays to keep up your password change routine and maybe these tips will prove useful too;
Most homes have a wealth of smart devices, including TVs, laptops, tablets, phones, gaming consoles, smart thermostats, and video doorbells, all of which can provide a potential entry point for cyberhackers.
However, with a few simple changes hackers can be kept out, according to insurance experts, Everywhen, who have produced a step-by-step guide for protecting home Wi-Fi networks. A spokesperson for Everywhen said; “Home Wi-Fi networks are something we all take for granted but do we do enough to protect them from hackers? Once they are into a home Wi-Fi network, they can spy on homeowners steal login details and personal data, and upload malware. Our guide is designed to provide vital extra protection from hackers, in the simplest and most effective ways.”
Here are Everywhen’s 10 steps for protecting home Wi-Fi networks:
Step 1 – Change the default router username and password
According to Broadband Genie, over 86% of those surveyed had never changed their router administrator password.
Step 2 – Protect the network from unwanted users. Only 25% of people check to see who is using their home network. Discourage others from joining home networks because it can compromise security, as they are able to access the network and obtain personal data. The router’s admin panel should be regularly checked to get a list of all connected devices. Remove any that aren’t familiar.
Step 3 – Create a network for guests. For sharing network access with family and friends without worrying about security, create a guest Wi-Fi. It’s usually free and allows visitors to surf the web without providing access to the main network.
Step 4 – Turn off SSID broadcasting. The network’s Wi-Fi name is called an SSID (Service Set Identifier). When searching for Wi-Fi, the device will show a list of available networks. By turning off SSID broadcasting, the network becomes invisible to anyone who doesn’t know the name.
Step 5 – Update the SSID name. Some SSID names can be traced back to the original router manufacturer, which can make it a target if that model has security issues.
Step 6 – Disable remote administration. Remote administration is a feature that allows homeowners to change their Wi-Fi settings from anywhere. This can be useful, but it can also be a security risk.
Step 7 – Enable WPA3 encryption. The latest release in Wi-Fi security is the WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), which encrypts data, so hackers can’t read it. Check that devices using the network are able to upload this release, which adds an extra layer of protection.
Step 8 – Keep the router’s firmware up to date. Installing the latest software and firmware updates is a must for the safety and performance of any device. The same applies to the router.
Step 9 – Move the router to a more central location. Most routers are placed close to the Ethernet port. Moving it to the centre of the house can reduce the chance of the network being intercepted by outsiders and may improve coverage.
Step 10 – Turn off the Wi-Fi during holidays etc. Consider turning off home Wi-Fi during holidays and business trips, especially if there aren’t any smart devices that need to have a continuous connection. It’s an easy way to stop opportunistic hackers.
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