5 Ways to Secure a Wireless Wi-Fi Network

1) Encrypt your Wi-Fi Network:

When you use a Wi-Fi network for accessing the internet, every piece of data you send and receive over the air can be easily snooped by anyone with the right set of tools. Packet sniffers can be used by even the most novice of users to sniff your data. This means that a hacker can not only see which websites are you accessing but also get the login details of your personal and professional accounts.

Encryption basically involves scrambling the data that is transmitted and received by you while using a wireless network. This means that even if a hacker intercepts your data transmission, (s)he will not be able to exploit the information contained within it.

2) Replace default passwords on your router with strong passwords:

The biggest mistake most wireless internet users make is not changing default passwords on their routers. Hackers utilize public databases that contain default passwords and usernames from virtually every manufacturer. This enables them to change the security settings of your router according to their needs. Using a strong password for your router ensures that hackers and miscreants cannot change your network’s security settings. To change the password on your router, visit Administration settings on your router’s settings page. Also, do not store passwords in browsers as they can be easily made visible.

3) Keep your firmware up to date:

Router vendors regularly release firmware updates and post them on their websites. You should occasionally check the manufacturer’s website to see if a new firmware update has been released. Newer routers will automatically inform you when new firmware is available.

4) When not using your internet network, turn it off:

This is self explanatory. If you are not using your network, turning it off saves you from giving extra time to hackers to try and hack into your wireless network. While it may be impractical to turn every device on your network off every time you are not using the network, it still is advisable to do so during extended periods of non use.

5) Use scary names to discourage Wi-Fi theft:

If your wireless network has a name like C:\virus.exe, most people who might otherwise access your network will not for the fear of getting their devices infected. You can use your creativity to find more dangerous names for your wireless network.