Secure your home Wi-Fi
Securing your home Wi-Fi network is essential to protect your data, maintain privacy and ensure that unauthorised users cannot access your internet connection.
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Last Updated30/07/2024
Understanding the importance of Wi-Fi security
Wi-Fi security is crucial for both home and small business networks. It helps prevent unauthorised access, eavesdropping, hacking and neighbours freeloading on your internet connection.
Additionally, monitoring your data usage can reveal if your computer is part of a botnet, which might cause general slowness or odd browser behaviour.
Monitoring your Wi-Fi network
Keeping an eye on your data usage is an excellent way to identify potential security issues. Here are some methods to monitor your Wi-Fi connections:
- ISP tools: Check what tools your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers. Many ISPs provide online account access where you can review your data usage with charts and general information. While detailed logs may not be available, this can help you understand overall data consumption.
- Router administrative software: Modern routers come with built-in administrative software that offers options for reviewing traffic and managing connections. You can limit or restrict connections directly from your router. If you need assistance, search for the router’s manual online or contact your ISP for support.
- Network monitoring software: Various software solutions can help you monitor your network. Here are a few options:
- WiFi Guard(https://www.softperfect.com/products/wifiguard/): A small application that alerts you if your network is used without your knowledge. It helps identify how many devices are connected to your network.
- NetWorx(https://www.softperfect.com/products/networx/) (Windows only): A free tool to review internet traffic and network statistics, providing a visual overview of your connection’s usage.
- Who’s On My WiFi (Free for Windows and Mac): This software logs network activity and allows you to set up reporting and alerting functions.
Steps to secure your home Wi-Fi
- Router Credentials: Change the default username and password of your router. Default credentials are often easy to find online, making your network vulnerable.
- Wi-Fi Network name (SSID): Change the default SSID to something unique that doesn’t reveal any personal information or your router model.
Ensure your Wi-Fi network uses WPA3 encryption, the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard. If your router does not support WPA3, use WPA2 as a minimum.
Create a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network, using a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, address, or common words.
Regularly update your router’s firmware to the latest version. Firmware updates often include security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) can be convenient but also poses a security risk. Disable WPS to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
Set up a separate guest network for visitors. This isolates your main network, protecting your devices and data from potential threats posed by guest devices. Ensure you create a strong password for the guest network.
Turn off remote management features on your router, this will prevent access to your router’s settings from outside your network.
Enable the routers built in firewall to protect against external threats, you can also consider using additional firewall applications on your devices for extra protection.
Regularly check the list of devices connected to your network. If you notice any unfamiliar devices, investigate and take appropriate action.
Contact Netsafe
Contact us if you would like more advice on securing your home Wi-Fi or any other topic to stay safe online at home.
You can contact Netsafe seven days a week for free, confidential and non-judgmental advice about an online issue impacting you or someone you know.
