Many homeowners take great measures to keep unauthorized users out of their home networks, but WiFi access points (AP) and Netgear wireless routers may provide intruders with a convenient way to get into the home network easily.
This is because the WiFi signals are often broadcast beyond the walls of your house and out into the streets – an enticing invitation for intruders or cybercriminals. But don’t freak out! Here, in this post, we have come up with a few tips and tricks to make your WiFi network secure. Read on!
Use a strong encryption
Some WiFi access points (AP) still offer the older standard of protection i.e. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). This type of security is easily cracked. So, in order to keep out intruders out of your home network, it’s crucial to use some variant of WPA (WiFi Protected Access) protection, either WPA or the newer version of security standard i.e. WPA2 standard or WPA3.
Note: Do not share your WiFi password with anyone. Change the WiFi password in a month or two. Create a strong and unique password of more than 10 characters.
Change the default admin name password
Note: Make sure that any password, passphrase or network key that protects your home WiFi network is long and random.
Though Netgear WiFi router setup process is easy to complete with its default settings, it is very easy for hackers to access the router’s settings. Because Netgear WiFi router’s come with default login credentials, this makes it easier for anyone to guess. To prevent the issue, changing default username and password will make it more difficult for a cybercriminal to gain access.
Provide a separate WiFi network for guests
If you want to allow guests to use your WiFi, offer them a separate guest network. This means that your guests can only connect to the internet without getting access to your family’s internal network.
The way to do this is by using a separate WiFi connection with its own wireless access point (AP). Don’t forget to enable WPA protection on your guest network. Do not leave it open. This may protect your media, video, files, and important documents.
Tip: Install the Netgear Nighthawk app to avail the guest access feature.
Hide your WiFi network name
Though WiFi access point (AP) and the new-extender setup process is usually done by default admin name and password, but the SSID suppose to be hidden so that intruders can’t get into your router and access its settings. Also, make sure to set a unique and strong network name of about 8 characters that consist of only numbers and alphabets.
Use a firewall security
Firewall security provides the first line of defense against attacks that are coming from outside of your home network. Most Netgear WiFi routers have built-in firewall security, which checks incoming and outgoing data coming and block suspicious activity as well.
Firewall security usually runs on the endpoint desktop or a laptop, with the advantage of providing a better idea of what network traffic is passing through. If your firewall security isn’t sure about a particular program then it will ask you what should do before it blocks or allows the incoming traffic.
Use a virtual private network
A virtual private network (VPN)will help you stay secure online. VPN keeps your personal data hidden from the unknown people. In theory, intruders or unknown people can puncture your home WiFi network but using a VPN, anonymous people will not be able to harm your home network for sure.
If you are facing issues while going through the above-mentioned tips, please it is insisted to drop your concerns in the comments section.
