If you're hosting a party and expecting a lot of guests, your priority is probably to make sure there's enough food and drink to go around. But have you considered how many unknown devices will join your Wi-Fi network? If those devices are infected with malware or one of your guests accidentally downloads a virus while connected to the main network, it can compromise your security.
Once someone with bad intentions gains access to your network, they could potentially access and control any of your connected devices, install malware, and spy on sensitive data like credit card numbers and live camera feeds.
A secure home network will help reduce the risk of being hacked and someone gaining access to your sensitive information. It will also keep out unwanted or unauthorized users and devices that would slow down the connection or free load on the internet service you pay for.
Below you will find 10 simple and quick steps to secure your home network. Some are more effective than others in keeping hackers and freeloaders at bay, but all are useful in their own way.
It is worth noting that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hacking attempts. These tips only make it harder for someone to compromise your network and data. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out how to tell if your ISP is throttling your Wi-Fi and ours tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection).
Tips for securing your Wi-Fi network at home
Here are the basics for securing your home Wi-Fi network. Continue reading for more information on each below.
- Place your router in a central location.
- Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often.
- Change the router's default login credentials.
- Turn on a firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.
- Create a guest network.
- Use a VPN.
- Keep your router and devices up to date.
- Disable access to the remote router.
- Verify connected devices.
- Upgrade to a WPA3 router.
1. Place your router in a central location
Strong network security starts with an optimized setup. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help you maintain your connection to the confines of your home. As a bonus, it will likely do so for best connection quality.
For example, if you have internet in apartment where neighbors are immediately to your left and right, placing your router next to a shared wall can send a strong and enticing signal. A good router it can signal to the door or across the street, even if you're not in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces how far those signals travel outside your home. CNET recommends the TP-Link Archer AX21, which performed well in terms of speeds and range and had low latency when we tested it.
2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often
This should of course, but I'll cover it anyway to emphasize its importance: creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid easy-to-guess passwords or phrases, such as someone's name, birthday, phone number, or other common information. Although simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they are also easier for others to guess. You can easily access your router's settings to update your Wi-Fi password.
Oh, and don't forget to change your password every six months or whenever you suspect your network's security has been compromised. The more often you change your password, the less likely it will be compromised.
3. Change the router's default login credentials
In the same way you protect your Wi-Fi network with a password, you'll want to prevent anyone from being able to directly access your router's settings.
To do this, change the administrator name and password of your router. You can log into your router's settings by entering its IP address in the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you're not sure how to determine your IP address, read our guide.
Router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you're not sure what the default is, you should be able to find it on the bottom of the router. Or, if it's changed from the default somewhere along the way, here's how to access your router's settings to update your username and password.
4. Turn on your Wi-Fi firewall and encryption
Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on data sent back and forth between your router and connected devices. Both are enabled by default, but you should check if they are enabled in your router settings.
Now that you know how to log into your router's settings, make sure your firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they are off for any reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you.
5. Create a guest Wi-Fi network
Before you share access to your main home network, think twice creating a separate guest network for visitors. I'm not suggesting that your guests try to do anything nefarious with your main Wi-Fi connection, but their devices or anything they download while connected to your network may be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without them knowing about it.
The guest network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats and smart speakers — devices that may not contain very sensitive information and may be easier to hack than a smarter device like a computer or phone.
6. Use a VPN
There are several reasons to use a a good VPNand network security is one of them. Virtual Private Network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data.
VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a layer of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. There are free VPN services available, but if you pay a few extra dollars a month, you can get a much more secure service. Other benefits of using a VPN are that it can be great streaming and for online games.
7. Update your router and devices
Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Stay updated for regular download.
Keeping your router and connected devices with the latest updates will help you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. Set your router to automatically update in the admin settings, if possible, and periodically check to see if your router is up to date.
8. Disable access to the remote router
Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router's settings. Unless you need to access your router while away from home (to check or change the configuration of a child's connected device, for example), there should be no reason to enable remote access.
You can disable remote access under the router's administrative settings. Unlike other security measures, disabling remote access to the router may not be the default.
9. Verify the connected devices
Frequently check the devices connected to your network and make sure you know what they are. If anything looks suspicious there, turn it off and change your Wi-Fi password. After you change your password, you'll have to reconnect all your previously connected devices, but any users or devices that aren't authorized to use your network will get the boot.
Some devices, especially obscure IoT ones, may have odd default names of random numbers and letters that you don't immediately recognize. If you come across something like this while auditing connected devices, turn them off. Later, when you can't start yours robotic vacuum cleaner from your phone, you'll know that's what it was.
10. Upgrade to a WPA3 router
WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router, there should be nothing to worry about. Many people rent their routers directly from the providerwhich may not include state-of-the-art equipment.
If your router was made before 2018, you may have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick lookup of your device's model should tell you when it came out and any specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you have a router with WPA2, call your supplier and negotiate for a better, newer router.
Bottom line? Network security is not guaranteed
Again, even with the latest and most effective methods of protecting your home network, security will never be 100% secure. As long as the internet exists, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better keep your network secure from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data.
For more tips, check out how to find free wifi anywhere in the world and ideal location for your router.