Wi-Fi Safety at Home
It’s important to secure your home Wi-Fi system properly. Computer hackers drive around looking for unsecured home Wi-Fi networks. They will then tap into Wi-Fi transmissions and hijack valuable passwords and data. Even an unscrupulous neighbor may be able to log on to your wireless network if it isn’t properly secured. Below are some tips to make your home Wi-Fi network secure.
- Routers come with a default administration username and password that you use to log onto and change router settings. Make sure they are strong and unique or take the time to change both. In the past, manufacturers used passwords like “admin”, which is an invitation to be hacked. Using your own credentials is the safest way to ensure security.
- Don’t use an identifiable name for your Wi-Fi. It is safer if the name your system broadcasts (your SSID) is anonymous. For example, don’t use “kens_house.” That makes it too easy to tie a signal to a person or home.
- Make sure that your logon password is both strong and unique. A strong password is at least 10 characters long and contains all of the following: capital letters, lower case letters, numbers and special characters like @%*. Passphrases, a series of unrelated words strung together, are also strong passwords.
- Do not use personal information in a password such as your name, the names of family or pets, your address or your phone number.
- Test out the strength of your password at www.passwordmeter.com
- Turn on encryption. Make sure your router supports WPA 2 or later. The old WEP encryption is easily hacked by free tools easily downloaded from the internet.
- Set-up your router away from windows and near the center of your house to decrease the signal strength outside your intended coverage area.
- Keep your software current, including your operating system, internet browser, Wi-Fi router firmware.
- Install antivirus software from a source you trust.
- Visit https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/protecting-your-wireless-network for additional information, links, and video tutorials.