Wi - Fi enables all of your twist to be connected to the cyberspace without any forcible connectedness . However , this convenience also comes with security risks . Unlike forcible cables , Wireless Internet connections are easy to chop .
Why Secure your Wi-Fi Network?
Well , if someone hack your Wi - Fi web , they will not only leech on your net bandwidth ( take to slow speeds and more data consumption ) . But the shuddery part is , someone with the proper tool can also see what you are browsing on the cyberspace , steal passwords , control your activity and even send fake emails from your connection that could head to law forces acting against you .
Overall , Wi - Fi security is of the essence and in this article , we will take you through all the necessary steps you may take to stop up your Wi - Fi . So , permit ’s get started , shall we ?
Related:5 way To Kick People Off Your WiFi web
Before we begin?
Note : Each router has a different interface with option located in different areas , so I can not leave any general instructions that may act for all the routers . Although I will adjudicate my beneficial to give you the good pointers , that should work for most router .
Also , in most routers , when you make the following changes to the Router configurations ; your Router might re-start , lead in no internet admittance for a few moment . So check that you do n’t do this if someone at your dwelling house is doing significant work online .
How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Step 1: Access Your Router’s Settings
There is no direction to control your Wi - Fi scene from any desktop or nomadic software . All of the step we will be select to secure the Wi - Fi will be from thesettings page of your router .
So , open up your web web browser , and type in the router ’s IP address ( commonly 192.168.1.1 ) in the Omnibox and remove enter . If you do n’t know what your router ’s IP name and address or default gateway is , assure out this billet on findingrouter IP address on different platforms .
Now , when you enter the router ’s IP address , you will be expect for the username and password . Here enter the username as “ Admin , ” and password as “ password . ” If this password does n’t operate then try , “ admin , ” “ 12345 ” or peradventure the name of the router ’s company . If nothing forge , then call the router company or the person who has coif up your connection and enquire for the login credentials . you’re able to also call your ISP if they have provide you the router .
Step 2: Change Your Encryption to WPA2
The most popular way to whoop Wi - Fi is by guessing the countersign from a public database or trying the combination of every English character . software system likeAircrack - NgandReavercan snap WEP and WPA - PSK parole in a few hours .
So , if you are still stuck with WEP , WPA security- or spoiled of all have an open Wi - Fi connection , then the first thing you need to do is enable the WPA2 encoding . Encryption is the only sure - pullulate method acting to stop hackers from gaining memory access to your router . To enable WPA2 encoding , go into your router preferences and look for “ Wireless security ” selection . If you find the option of “ Wireless ” alternatively , then bet for the “ security system ” choice somewhere inside it .
Here you should see a drop - down menu next to an choice like “ web Authentication ” or “ Encryption . ” tap it , and you should see a list of encoding you’re able to habituate , select “ WPA2 ” . And while you are at it , also consider exchange your Wi - Fi watchword to something that multitude can not reckon .
For instance – I do n’t suggest using a complex password like these ^55[@5(W^GR < L = ezed as your Wi - Fi password , because then you ’ll have a intemperate time explaining this password to your friend . But verify your password is not adictionary wordor something easy to guess like your first and last name ( I know mass who use that ) . A near Wi - Fi countersign is something like — Fr33Int3rn3 t. Just say the password isfree net , withfand I in upper case and replace all thee with number3 .
The security stride we are listing below should always be used in conjunction with WPA2 encoding as it is the only mode to rightfully protect your Wi - Fi . The method acting below will just make it hard for hacker to get to your router , these methods ca n’t protect you against an attempt .
Step 3: Change the Router’s Default Password
Most people perplex to therouter ’s default parole . Which is a sorry practice because , if anyone is connected to your Wi - Fi ( could be a friend to whom you gave your parole ) , they can also easily access router setting and change the options to their spunk ’s desire . In fact , they can even log you out of your own electronic internet . So it ’s important to change router ’s default username ( if allowed ) and password .
To deepen your router ‘s default password , lumber in to your router ’s web interface , and look for the options to commute the administrator watchword . commonly , it ’s undermaintenanceorgeneralsettings . Some routers only let you alter the password and not the username , and some routers support different drug user account ( like the substance abuser , backing , and admin , etc . ) In any casing , ensure to change the nonpayment parole .
Step 4: Use MAC Address Filtering
MAC ( Media Access Control ) destination is like a permanent name of a equipment . It ’s a exercise set of alpha - numerical digit ( something like 1A-74 - 30 - 16 - 38 - 3B ) that is unique for every gadget . So , you may practice this MAC addresses to tell your router which are trust machine and which are not .
From router background you could only allow specific machine to be connected to your Wi - Fi connection using the MAC Address Filter feature film , thus further set nameless devices from access your Wi - Fi . You cancheck the MAC address of your specific deviceright from its system or also find it on your routerDHCPlist , given that all the Wi - Fi enabled gadget are connected the router at that second .
Next , make a list of MAC addresses of all your twist and get at the “ MAC Address Filter ” option in your router configurations , it should be under the “ Wireless ” choice . Here enable Mac filtering and select “ Add ” to sum up all the MAC addresses of devices that you want to allow to be connected . When you are done , only the added devices will be able to connect to your Wi - Fi .
MAC savoir-faire filtering is a mutual practice in boastful organization and place , which sour with sensible data point . Although do keep in judgment thatMAC address can be spoofedwith a simple app on both desktop and smartphone . So , do n’t rely 100 percent on it .
Step 5: Decrease WiFi Range
If your WiFi sign goes elbow room beyond your Home , then it does make sense to trim the range of your Wi - Fi sign .
Some high - end router have an option to control transmission magnate . Go to the advanced options page of your router and look forTX Power . The default value is 70 ( 0 means no range and 100 think the highest range ) and depending on your requirement you may make it around 50 . However , router
However , if your router does not have the option to control transmittance ability from the software storey , then you’re able to do it from the hardware itself . Some people suggest , removing the one feeler to minify WiFi range . And although it ’s very in effect , it can possibly cause permanent damage to the router ’s transmission bill of fare . A better style to concentrate the signal strength is by placing yourrouter inside a shoe boxorwrap a foilaround its antenna .
Related : Boost Your Wi - Fi connection With an Old Router
Step 6: Change Your Default SSID
SSID is the name of your Wi - Fi mesh , and by nonremittal , it ’s either the router ’s exemplar numeral ( like TP - Link WR740N ) or some people choose to name their Wi - Fi name on their sept extremity name ( like Ravi Sharma ) .
Both of these are wrong recitation because if the hacker sleep together which router model you are using , they easily look up the router ’s online certification and rule some vulnerability . Similarly , if you are using a Wi - Fi name that can be used to personally identify you , the hacker will jazz who you are . Also since you have n’t read the bother to alter the SSID name , luck are you have n’t change other default option preferences , take a shit you an easy target from the residuum .
To deepen your SSID or Wi - Fi name , open your router set page , look forWirelessand thenSSIDoption . ordinarily , it ’s next to the countersign modification option in the most router . A skillful Wi - Fi name is something generic ( mine is Free Internet . ) Bonus breaker point if you’re able to come up with something creative and singular .
Step 7: Hide SSID Broadcasting
By default , your router will broadcast your SSID ( or your Wi - Fi name ) ceaselessly , so you could easy rule and connect your equipment to it . But do you screw , you’re able to also connect to Wi - Fi if you incapacitate the SSID broadcast medium .
you may disenable SSID Broadcasting , so people wo n’t even have a go at it that there is a Wi - Fi connection around them when they unfold the Wi - Fi setting on their equipment . In the router configurations , you will find the pick of “ Disable SSID ” or “ Hide Access level ” under “ Wireless ” option that you’re able to use to disenable the SSID .
Once handicapped , you will have to manually get in the SSID on your gimmick while colligate , so learn the SSID before doing this . Do keep in mind that hackers can practice SSID Sniffer tool to well see the SSID even if it is not being broadcasted .
Some innovative routers , allow you make make more than one SSID , like one for client and other for the regular exploiter . So , if you want more security and your router also tolerate more than one Wi - Fi internet name , then you could one can be dummy SSID to catch the hacker while cover the factual one . Though , only do this , if you know what you are doing .
Step 8: Use a VPN
Anyone connected to your Wi - Fi can easily seewhat other people are browsingon their computer . And if they are good with information processing system stuff and nonsense , they can even slip your countersign while you are login to less inviolable websites , using packet capturing tools like Wireshark , etc .
So , if you are in a position , where someone is using your Wi - Fi whom you do n’t trust , but also can not ask them to not use your Wi - Fi connection ; then you may also apply agood VPN serviceto hide your activeness . VPN will cypher all your activity and make it impossible for someone to see what you are doing . Though , some banking websites do n’t react well to VPNs , so also keep that in mind .
Related : What is VPN , and Why You Should Use it ?
Step 9: Keep Your Wi-Fi Router in Safe Place
Now , I ’m pretty trusted most of you are not aware of this . But do you love , most routers have this characteristic , with which anyone can link up to the Wi - Fi internet by just pressing a single button on the router and their devices ?
This lineament is called — WPS or Push’n’Connect(I’m certain you have heard of it ) which is present in most router these days . If you look at the back of your router , you ’ll see a small clit ( often next to the LAN porthole or reset button ) labeled as WPS . Now , some Wi - Fi devices do n’t have any user interface where you could come in the Wi - Fi password ( like Wi - Fi repeating firearm ) , and this is where the WPS button is utilitarian . only press the WPS release on both devices simultaneously , and they will get in touch . No pauperization to enrol any Wi - Fi parole .
commonly , this is a handy feature , but if you keep your router outside your mickle , then a hack can do some social engineering , gain approach to your nursing home and crusade a button to colligate his or her smartphone to your Wi - Fi connection . I know this vocalise like some Mr. Robot sequence , but why take the risk . Why not keep mount your router high up on the walls . This is also good for the meshwork coverage BTW .
Watch the following video recording on how toconnect to * Some WiFi connection without the password .
link up : Find out who is stealing your Wi - Fi net
Step 10: The Last Resort
If you are too paranoid , then you may disable Wi - Fi connectedness altogether and start using the internet on your PC using an ethernet cable . Yes , this is not a good Wi - Fi security advice , but it is a good solution if you do n’t require to take any chances . The option to disable Wi - Fi should be under General or Basic section of the “ Wireless ” head . This will altogether invalid the Wi - Fi and all the danger associated with it , but you will have to join to the router forthwith using an ethernet cable television .
Wrapping Up
Encrypting your Wi - Fi with WPA2 encryption is the best manner to protect it , but you’re able to also follow other tips list here to make further it hard for hacker to reach your router and hack on it . Although do keep in mind that you will also suffer some convenience when you take advantage of these security peak . For example , if you will enable MAC address filtering , you will have to reconfigure the router setting whenever you desire to connect a newfangled gimmick to your Wi - Fi .
And if you find someone steal your Wi - Fi , you could either present them personally ( not recommended if they are liberal than you in sizing ) or better justkick them off your networkusing a wide-eyed app . See the follow video for detail .
Did we miss something ? How to you batten down Your Wi - Fi connection ?
