Everybody needs to feel safe, as it’s one of the basic human needs that also applies when we’re using tech gadgets.
Regardless of how much the router’s manufacturer promises to prioritize privacy and security, there are lots of specific settings that all of us must be aware of.
WiFi could be older than you, as the guys who would develop IEEE 802.11, which was later marketed as WiFi, encountered for discussing their plan in September 1990. As for today, wireless routers are everywhere, and here are the top security settings to secure your home internet connection:
Establish strong and unique passwords for the network
This is the first setting that you must take into account very seriously. Never set an easy password such as ‘1234’, regardless of how lazy you may feel to add a complicated one. We’re all tempted to neglect this step, and hackers are always willing to take advantage. Make sure to insert a password that has a minimum of 20 characters and that contains numbers, letters, and symbols. For an even extra level of protection, make sure to change that password from time to time with one that’s at least as strong.
Turn off the wireless home network while you’re away
There’s no use keeping your wireless home network active if you’re not home. Disable it, and you can do the same thing with other devices of yours that use Ethernet cables. This is a great way to ensure that hackers won’t sneak into your network while you’re away. Last but not least, you’ll also be lowering the possibility for your device to get damaged by electric power surges.
Use a reliable firewall
Although wireless routers usually have built-in firewalls, they are sometimes turned off by default. But if your router doesn’t even have a firewall, it’s always a good idea to install one to protect your devices from external attacks. We recommend trying out Sophis XG Rev Series, SonicWall Network Services Security Platform, or Sophos XG Firewall Series.
Turn off the DHCP
To enhance the security of the network even more, you can turn off the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. You can surely survive without it being turned off, as you can use a static address and insert your network settings by entering your device and assigning it an IP address that’s suitable to your wireless router.
For those unaware, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol for automating the process of configuring devices on IP networks. In this way, the protocol allows them to use network services and any communication protocol based on TCP or UDP.
Protect the network during mobile access
It’s nothing new that you can access your home network from a smartphone. But before you do it, it’s best to protect your phone or other mobile devices that you use. Therefore, set a strong password for your mobile gadget. Last but not least, you should also use a strong password for the app you use to access your network.
Enable WPA2 or WPA3
While you set up your router at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.10.1, you’ll have to choose a security type, and the most common ones will be WEB, WPA, and WPA2. Selecting WPA2 is the best option, while the other ones have their flaws. WPA3 is the highest encryption level when it comes to WiFi security, and you’re lucky if you find the option within your configuration page of the router.
Oddly enough, the term ‘WiFi’ doesn’t actually mean anything, although we have to admit that it’s easy to remember. On the other hand, IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, while 802.11 is a reference to the methods and protocols for sending network information without the need of any cables.
