8 Solid Simple Ways to Secure Your Wi-Fi

• I haven't used the internet. But the bill shows I have consumed more data.


• It is a high speed broadband connection. But I don't know why I can't surf the Internet so fast.


• It is 2 MBPS broadband connection. But the downloading speed is at 512KBPS.

Random problems like these.

I know guys you can't live without the computers and mobile phones especially without the Internet connection. There is no problem with your traditional wired networks connections. Cause It's extremely difficult to spoof your data. But If you are a regular Wireless network user to access the internet, What would you do? Cyber Criminals may steal your important files. Neighbors may use your Internet connection without your permission...

So, It's the perfect time to put your eyes on your wireless security. Here are the solid 8 simple steps to keep your Wi-Fi protected.

1. Changing the network's SSID

Credit: AppleTV

Bought a new Router? Then first change the SSID name to your Router by replacing default manufacturer’s name.

For example, NETGEAR Router comes with the SSID name 'Netgear'. (May differ sometimes)

How can I change the SSID?

To change the network SSID, You have to access the Router's Wireless Settings via their website. Something like 192.168.0.0 (Private IP Address).

For more check out your Manual guide and follow the instructions to access the administrative settings by logging in with your given appropriate details. Then locate the SSID section and change the name as you wish.

Tip: Use different crazy names to prevent the neighbors connecting your network by staying near your house or store. Put common names like 'My Store' for your store to hide your actual physical location of your Wi-Fi.

2. Using a unique password

Most of the time, people even forget the passwords of their routers because their devices connect automatically with the network, and they don’t care to update the password or enhance the network’s security.  It’s very important to put unique password to your Router to avoid unwanted persons on your network. Also to reduce the consumption of data.

Credit: Dribble

How can I create a highly secured unique password for my Router?

Before creating the password, we have to consider these 4 basic conditions.

• Length should be minimum 8 characters
• Contains at least a single lower and upper case letter
• Having at least one symbol or special character
• Containing numbers

Considering these points while creating passwords, will help you to create a unique and highly secured and unbreakable password.

&My_wifiPg38*8C;-)

But you have to remember the typed password. I recommend you to write down them on a separate dairy or any other fresh note books and keep it in a private place for future purposes; That’s how I remember all of my 23 unique passwords.

3. Enabling the Network encryption

Unlike the previous two steps, It's more important to do. If you are using old Router that are manufactured long ago, upgrade to a new Router with updated security features like WPA2 Encryption.

Why do I need to encrypt my Wi-Fi signal?

In order to prevent other devices to use your internet connection, You have to encrypt your network connection. Actually there are several encryption methods for wireless settings such as

1. WEP
2. WPA (Wireless Protected Access)
3. WPA2( Wireless Protected Access Version 2)

If you're still using the old WEP encryption method, This is the time to upgrade it to WPA2. Because WEP became too old and unsafe. It can be easily cracked nowadays by Hackers and Cyber Criminals. But unlike WEP, WPA2 is the strongest military level encryption method to protect your data; I promise you. Because WPA2 is widely used since 2006 by many wireless hard wares.

4. Enabling the router Firewall

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The most common thing in all Operating Systems is firewall. Cause firewall examines incoming network data and blocks anything that's deemed unsafe.

It does for Router too. And It must be the best option on all routers to protect your devices from un specious malwares and cyber attacks. Fortunately, most routers have this feature and it's probably enabled by default.

To enable the firewall manually on your router, locate the Firewall settings and examine them as a Administrator.

5. Upgrading the Router's firmware

Credit: Net gear

Updating applications on your mobiles and PCs is common. But have you ever tried to upgrade the firmware?

Can I upgrade the Router’s Firmware like Mobile’s Firmware?

All Router’s firmware can be upgraded by checking them for new release on manufacturers site, downloading and installing them manually. But I suggest you to enable the Automatic updates on the administrative dash board to stay updated.

6. Turning off Guest Networks and Enabling Log In feature

Credit: PSD

Most of us tend to give access to guest networks to your neighbors. It seems good from one point of view. Helping neighbors and friends or any others. But do you know that It has lack of security features.
Guest networks are allowing the users to connect the internet without the encryption. And they can access your files when you haven’t done the appropriate settings for guest accounts. So, It's good when you enable the user accounts and Log in feature to all users. This can help you to monitor any suspicious activity and to make relevant changes to your password or security to stay safe from hacking attempts.

7. Filtering MAC Addresses

Thank you all the wireless hardware manufacturers for this feature. Because we can block unauthorized devices by knowing their MAC address. Also you can grant or revoke the permissions to particular devices.

Sounds pretty good. You know all PC has It's own MAC address. And they are used to give additional protection layer than traditional IPs. So, It's really impossible to spoof your data for unauthorized users.

To enable MAC address filtering, first make a list of all your hardware devices that you want to connect to your wireless network. Find their MAC addresses, and then add them to the MAC address filtering in your router’s administrative settings. You can find the MAC addresses of Wireless mobile phones and other portable devices under their network settings, though this will vary for each device.

8. Reducing the range of the Wireless Signal

Many routers have high range of signals. Considering a user, living in a small apartment who wants only small range of the signal. Because all his neighbors may try to access his Wi-Fi without his permission.

Then, what might be the solution?

You can make changes in Wireless channels. I mean instead of using powerful 802.11n, You can use 802.11b or 802.11g.
Alternatively, Hide your router under the bed or place it in inside of an almirah or in a wooden box to reduce the range of the signals or wrap a aluminum foil around the Router's antenna.

Conclusion

So, want bullet proof security over your Wi-Fi? Then do all these simple steps. But I have a simple final suggestion, If you feel like How many processes to secure my Wi-Fi.

It’s simply turning off your Wi-Fi.

Sounds not bad. I know living without Wi-Fi is impossible. But you can turn off the Wi-Fi when you're not using it. Because it’s ultra-secure; No one can get on your network without direct access to your router, which should allow you to turn Wi-Fi on and off when you need to. And It's easier than all these 8 steps to avoid the cyber criminals.

I hope you love this useful article. Share this blog If you like and Comment your suggestions and ideas below for more help about Wi-Fi security.