It seems that your home Wi-Fi is safe just because it is yours. Well, it is definitely safer than any public network. But Wi-Fi protection is still an open question for all households. Unfortunately, cybercriminals keep evaluating, and their instruments for interfering with your data too.
For this reason, customers understand they should keep their eye on the Wi-Fi and protect the network like a pro. This is not an extra solution but an essential thing to manage for your personal cybersecurity. So let’s find out why you need WPA2 encryption, free VPN, system updates, and other tools to protect your Wi-Fi.
How to protect your Wi-Fi network in 7 steps
There are many ways to make sure your network and data are safe. We are going to list 7 useful and efficient options that were tried and tested by millions of users. It’s up to you to use them or not but the more pieces of advice you’ll implement the stronger your protection will be.
1. Use VPN for Mac
A Virtual Private Network is known as an advanced tool to access to any website no matter the geo-restrictions. Customers all over the world take advantage of such apps or browser add-ons to open web pages that are blocked at their location. At the same time, not many of them understand how precious this tool is for security issues.
By using VPN servers, you can protect your network from unauthorized entry. That’s because a top-rated Argentina VPN like VeePN provides customers with multi-layered encryption. In the end, your traffic will be encrypted and non-recognized by third parties.
So if you haven’t used VPN yet it’s better to start using it. Pay attention to the app’s reputation and look reviews so you can make sure it’s safe and functional. That’s a simple but reasonable way to select an appropriate service.
2. Select the proper SSID
SSID or service set identifier is your WLAN name. It stays for identifying your home network among many others networks appearing around. It seems that no one cares about your Wi-Fi name but facts confirm the controversial statement: it may be a loophole for criminals to access your network.
So when it’s time to name your Wi-Fi, then avoid using very obvious titles. For instance, don’t name your network “Lis and Mike”, if these are your and your partner’s names. Prefer the title without any association with your home so it will not become a target for cybercriminals.
3. Change your password time after time
It sounds silly but changing your password occasionally is a great, maybe even the best way to protect the home network. Experts recommend doing it every 6-12 months.
Nota bene! If you have a party or many people at your place for any event then you should better change your Wi-Fi password more often. The best option is to change it right after the event.
4. Apply the appropriate encryption option
There are various types of encryption options you may apply to your home Wi-Fi. Among the existing ones are WEP, WPA1, WPA2, WPA1/WPA2, and finally WPA2/WPA3. It is said that WEP and WPA1 are too old-fashioned so if your device requires one of them then it’s better to replace the device instead of using it with insecure protection.
All other encryption options are good enough for your home Wi-Fi. So keep in mind to use at least WPA2 or any updated versions.
5. Create a guest SSID
If you invite guests quite often then you should consider making a guest SSID. Thanks to such an option, you will not be required to change your Wi-Fi password every time people go away.
Most routers allow the creation of a guest SSID. So investigate the settings of your device to create and use 2 separate domains of your home network. The guest doesn’t need a free VPN because it will appear as public Wi-Fi for your guests.
6. Hide your Wi-Fi
The first time you run your router it will offer you to make your Wi-Fi publicly visible. It means that anyone may detect and try to connect to it. Just by turning this feature off you will make your SSID disappear from the general lists of available networks.
Most routers have a feature to hide SSID. You just need to open the Wi-Fi settings, find this option, and turn it off.
7. Turn off your router when you don’t need it
For instance, if you go for a trip or even go to work you may disable your Wi-Fi. Why would it work without a need? By making this simple action you can prevent other people from accessing and using your network for their purposes. When your Wi-Fi isn’t available no one can connect to it. As a result, both you and strangers wouldn’t be able to access any website using your Wi-Fi.
Final Words
As you can see, these simple tips will let you level up your Wi-Fi security without any struggle. Just consider the right name for your network, install a VPN for Mac, and follow other recommendations to protect your home network!
