Whether you use Wi-Fi at your home or at your business, wireless security should be a top priority. Without the right security protocol in place, homeowners and business owners alike could have their information stolen while using their wireless networks.
Here are just a few ways to protect your online activities and your data while using Wi-Fi:
Reduce Router Output
Out of sight, out of mind is sometimes the best way to protect your wireless network. By limiting the output on your wireless router, you can control how many people have access to its signal.
For wireless routers with output settings simply decrease the signal amplification to the confines of your home or office. To make sure your signal doesn’t go beyond your specified area, simply test the signal strength using a Wi-Fi capable device.
If your router does not have an output setting, try moving your router to a more central location in your home or office.
This might weaken the signal strength in certain areas, but it will keep outsiders from finding and hacking your signal.
Use Caution with Unknown Networks
Protecting your home or business Wi-Fi network is important, but what about protecting yourself when using someone else’s wireless network?
Not all public networks have the same safety protocol in place, which can make your wireless devices and the data within vulnerable.
As the following article looks at, whether you’re at a coffee shop or on an airplane, fly safe this summer by using caution with unknown public networks. This means not logging into any sites where passwords are required.
Likewise, don’t access any personal information while on public Wi-Fi networks. Surfing the web is your safest best.
Update Default Passwords
Almost all wireless routers come with a default password out of the box, which is used during the setup process. However, an alarming number of business owners and homeowners neglect to update their router’s default password after the initial setup process.
Default passwords are extremely easy to find because they are specific to the make and model of certain routers.
To avoid this scenario, make sure you update your router’s default password with a strong, unique, one-of-a-kind password that only you know.
Use a Guest Network
Whether you have houseguests for the weekend or clients who need access to the Internet, that doesn’t mean you should hand over your Wi-Fi password. Sure, your guests and clients won’t use your password maliciously, but their devices might not be up to date with the latest security software.
Instead of making your network vulnerable by sharing your password, instead create a guest network. Guest networks use a separate username and password as well as a secondary wireless signal, which helps protect your internal network when guests share your Wi-Fi.
Update Firmware
Firmware is your first line of defense against malicious Wi-Fi activities, but only if you actually update your firmware regularly. During the router setup process, you can set your firmware to update automatically. If you’re unsure whether your firmware updates automatically, simply access your router settings and look for the section on firmware.
If you’re worried about the security of your Wi-Fi network, then take advantage of some of the pointers above.
About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including network security and wireless technology.
