Home WiFi Security Should NOT Be Taken For Granted!

Summary: This 3-minute article offers basic tips for securing your home or SMB’s Wifi. Learn about router security, your WiFi’s vulnerabilities and how to prevent network breaches. Then, contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to schedule a complete system analysis.

How To Secure Home WiFi

Securing WiFi connections has become a necessity for almost everyone. WiFi networks have become faster and faster, easy to install and reliable. In fact, WiFi has become so reliable that, over time, the average user takes their WiFi signal for granted. Unfortunately, at-home users and SMBs rarely have the budget or cyber security expertise required to secure WiFi correctly. As a result, hackers now consider home networks and small to midsized business networks the “low hanging fruit” for cyberattacks. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to protect your personal or private business data:

Relocate Your Wireless Router to a Safe Location – Router security starts with placing the router in a secure location that is not easily accessible and preferably locked. Restricting physical access to the router is the first line of WiFi security.
Change Your Network’s Name – Your network name or service set identifier (SSID) is the moniker by which your network will be known to the rest of the cyber world. Often, the router manufacturer's default name will be the router's make and model number. By using the default name, you could be helping hackers identify what kind of router you own, thereby making their attacks a little easier.
Creat New Router Login Credentials – Routers come with default names and passwords. You should also change the password when you change your network’s name. Creating a strong, unique password is the equivalent of installing a great lock on the front door of your home. The stronger the password, the more secure your network will be.
Check For and Update Router Firmware and Software – It is good IT protocol to check for firmware updates for your router regularly. Firmware updates generally address cyber vulnerabilities discovered since the software’s release or previous updates.
Create Separate Network Access Points For Employees vs. Public – It might sound obvious. Still, non-employees mustn't have the same access to your company’s files or personal private data. Therefore, you must set up one access point for authorized individuals and a separate one for guests. Periodically, it is worth scanning your access points to ensure they are all approved and properly configured.
Default Encryption Protocol – WiFi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2) is a more current default encryption protocol. Older routers might use outdated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption protocols which have become an easy target for hackers. If you are using an old router, you should check the settings and, if necessary, buy a new, up-to-date router.
Disable WPS – WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) helps automate the pairing of devices on an encrypted network. With this turnkey program, someone who gains physical access to your router could also breach your network. Unless used by IT experts, the average user should turn off WPS.

IT Professionals Can Provide Home Network Service

Network Security is too important to be left to chance. Even tech-savvy users would be wise to engage professional IT consulting services to perform a complete system analysis. They can identify any cyber vulnerabilities, incorrect network configurations and other issues that keep your network from running smoothly and securely. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to get your network operating properly from the start.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized computer networks, installations, updates, maintenance and repair for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions from “How can I be sure my data is protected?” to “When do I need to upgrade my company’s hardware?” More importantly, when your business network goes down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing. New users and devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently and securely. Inter-related concerns include hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection. These concerns must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your system, minimizing costly and time-consuming mistakes.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can design, maintain and secure your home or SMB computer network and all its devices.