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How to Secure WiFi Network [Complete Guide]

How to Secure WiFi Network

WiFi connections are a popular way to connect to the Internet. WiFi has changed the way we work, are entertained, and learn. It would be difficult to argue that WiFi has not made our lives easier. However, sometimes these advantages come with a cost. This article will provide you with tips to secure a WiFi network.

How to Secure WiFi Network

WiFi not only makes it easier for us to communicate, but unfortunately, it also allows unscrupulous parties to have access to our lives: hackers. Technically, nothing is hacker-proof, and there is always a possibility that your WiFi might be hacked.

WiFi is a natural target for hackers simply because wireless connections are more open. Therefore, they require good protection, and there are ways to improve your network security. Hackers can use WiFi bandwidth or even try to hack into your system. In any case, this is not what you want to experience.

One of the most common symptoms of a hacked WiFi network is a slower Internet connection - the more people connected to your network, the slower it will become.

Setting a password is not the only way to enhance network security. The guide below describes methods to secure your WiFi router.

Table of Contents:

Use WPA 2

WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA 2) is a security protocol that provides more robust network access control and data protection. It is far more secure than WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

Therefore, if you use WEP rather than WPA 2, consider immediately changing the encryption protocol to WPA 2. WEP is an outdated security protocol that can easily be hacked in seconds.

If you use an older WiFi router, you might need to upgrade it to use WPA 2. To enable WPA 2, check your router manual or visit the manufacturer's website.

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Change SSID Name

Also, consider changing the SSID (Service Set Identifier) name. If you use a default network name such as DLINK, Linksys, etc., we recommend changing it to a stronger one. Hackers have various tools that enable them to crack your network by simply knowing your default SSID name, making it easier to hack your network.

Hackers usually choose a WiFi network that is easy to identify. Therefore, change your SSID name to something that is not easy to identify and is not your company name, house number, etc. Preferably, give the network a random name, even if it makes it harder to remember.

If you are a Windows user, read this article and learn how to change your network name using Registry Editor or Local Group Policy Editor.

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Change the Default Password

If you use the default password that came with your router, we recommend changing it immediately. Various websites allow you to search for default login credentials by router model, and that is clearly a risk. You should use default login credentials only when you get a new router and only in the setup phase.

After that, change the password to something long and complex. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. Each additional number or letter reduces the possibility of hacking the password by a factor of hundreds.

Once you connect with your new password, the operating system should remember it and connect automatically - so you do not need to enter it each time you connect to the WiFi network.

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Use a VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to protect private web traffic. It also allows users to increase their anonymity online, avoid various forms of censorship, download torrents safely, etc. Using a VPN client is an excellent way to protect your network from hackers. It keeps your location on the server anonymous and creates its own firewall to protect network traffic.

VPNs hide the IP address, make online actions unidentifiable, establish secure and encrypted connections, and provide even better privacy than secured WiFi hotspots. Although most VPN clients are not free, the monthly cost is small. Before using a VPN client, check if your router is capable of supporting a VPN service.

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Turn on the Router's Firewall

The purpose of a firewall is to provide protection against attacks over the Internet or local network, but it does not prevent you from accessing the web. A firewall can also stop various malicious software from attacking your computer via the Internet. It filters both incoming and outgoing connections and blocks any that are unsafe.

Most routers come with a built-in firewall, and we recommend that you keep it enabled. Most built-in router firewalls have a 'stealth mode, which makes the network even less visible. If your router has a stealth mode, keep it enabled.

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Use a Different DNS Server

If possible, use an alternative DNS server to the ISP's (Internet Service Provider) default DNS. This is a useful precaution, especially if your ISP servers are attacked by hackers. A common alternative DNS server is the Google DNS server.

Google's Public DNS is a free alternative Domain Name System (DNS) service offered to Internet users worldwide. The public DNS service and servers are maintained and owned by Google.

The server functions as a recursive name server providing domain name resolution for any host on the Internet. We recommend using Google DNS for a faster and more secure connection. If you are a Windows 10 user, click this link and find out how to change your DNS to the Google DNS manually.

We hope this article helped you secure your WiFi network. If you know of any other methods to enhance WiFi security not mentioned in this article, please share them with us by leaving a comment in the section below.

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About the author:

Rimvydas Iliavicius

Rimvydas is a researcher with over four years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He attended Kaunas University of Technology and graduated with a Master's degree in Translation and Localization of Technical texts. His interests in computers and technology led him to become a versatile author in the IT industry. At PCrisk, he's responsible for writing in-depth how-to articles for Microsoft Windows. Contact Rimvydas Iliavicius.

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