How to Protect Your Home Network Against Cyberattacks

The wireless internet connection in your house is the Wi-Fi home network. A wireless router is used to transmit the signal wirelessly. That’s the signal you need to get online. However, if your network isn’t password-protected, anyone within range can grab the signal and use your internet connection without your knowledge or permission.

Therefore, if you take the time to secure your home wifi network, you can prevent hackers from accessing your devices and stealing sensitive data.

Let’s go through some of the precautions you may take to protect your home network from any potential online dangers.

Tips to Secure Your Wi-Fi Home Network

Encrypt our network

When data travels through your network, it is encrypted to prevent eavesdropping. As a result, prying eyes and ears will have a stricter time monitoring your activities or gaining access to your private data. You may quickly secure your network by switching your router’s security settings to WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal. Both will encrypt your data, while WPA3 is the most modern and secure option.

Modify the default settings on your router.

Change the default administrator username, password, and network name to something more secure. Never use your real name, street address, or router’s make as part of a login name or password.

Here are two router credentials that will need to be reset:

• Wifi network password: This is the cable you will need to connect your devices. Using a unique and safe password can prevent unauthorized users from accessing your wifi network.
• Router admin password: By accessing the administrative part of your device, you can adjust settings like your wifi password. However, if someone with malicious intent gains access to your router’s administrative interface, they can make changes that undermine your security measures, including changing your wifi network password. 

Keep your router up to date.

If you’re installing a new router or making changes to an existing one, check the manufacturer’s website to see if an updated version of the router’s software is available.

Registering your router with the maker and signing up for updates is an excellent way to ensure you always have the most recent version available. If you obtained your router from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Comcast or Verizon, you can check with them to see if they provide automatic updates.

Limit access to your wireless network.

Avoid granting strangers access to your home network. The greater the number of people with access to your wireless network credentials, the greater the risk that your data will fall into the wrong hands.

For example, if you have a repairman in your home, they don’t need to be able to use your wifi network. Even though there are exceptions to this rule, like someone from your internet provider’s company, you shouldn’t let unknown devices connect to your home network unless it’s crucial.

Use Firewall 

Firewalls prevent hackers from using your device to send your private data without your consent. While antivirus software examines incoming emails and files, a firewall acts as a watchman, monitoring for attempts to access your system and preventing communications with sources you do not authorize. Your operating system and security software probably include a pre-installed firewall, but you must activate it.

Implement WPA3 or WPA2 on the wireless network. 

Make sure your WAP supports WPA3 to secure your wireless communications. If your network devices don’t support WPA3, choose WPA2/3. It lets newer devices utilize the more secure technique while letting older devices connect through WPA2. Use a solid 20-character passphrase while setting WPA3/WPA2/3. 

To increase security, activate protected management frames. Most PCs and phones support WPA3 or WPA2. WPA3-Personal-certified devices should be purchased. Replace the default SSID. Hiding the SSID does not increase wireless network security and may cause compatibility concerns.

Use security software

Use antivirus, anti-phishing, anti-malware, safe surfing, and firewall security software. Computers, laptops, and tablets can install or incorporate the security suite into the operating system. Home assistants, smart gadgets, and other IoT devices may not support security suites. 

Cloud-based reputation services identify and inhibit malware execution in modern endpoint detection and response software. Many mobile devices enable disc encryption by default. Security software can make it as easy as pushing a button on laptops, tablets, and phones to prevent data disclosure if they are lost or stolen. Trend Micro Australia is one example of home Wi-Fi security software accessible to you.

Final Thoughts

Learning to lock down your Wi-Fi home network is necessary to keep your personal information safe from hackers. With so many endpoints connecting to our network, you must do everything possible to prevent malicious activity. Even if implementing all the above recommendations is impossible, Softvire advises you to try a few of them here.

For further assistance with cybersecurity solutions, you can visit our Softvire software store and check our hot offers with up to 20-30% discounts!