Wi-Fi access points used for home for the last few years offer a very useful opportunity for people and these access points are quite popular. This access system gives you the chance to use the internet without using any cables. You can put your devices wherever possible as long as they are within the coverage of the wireless internet system and make phones, tablets and smart televisions part of the network. However, you need to take precautions regarding the security of the system. If you do not take wi-fi security-related measures, outsiders may connect to your network. These outsiders can access devices connected to the wireless network. Even a malicious person can take control of your router.
To avoid all these dangers and avoid any security issues, you should set up your network securely. Fortunately, security-related measures are not difficult. This guide for you simply explains what you need to do about security settings.
The Risks
If you leave your network open to all users, or do not provide a password protection, anyone within range can easily connect to it. The person who connects to this network without your permission may be your neighbor or someone with malicious intent. Whoever it is, if you use the Internet for an illegal purpose or commit an information crime, you will be in trouble. You should know that your IP address can be legally tracked, and if an illegal crime is committed, you will be the court’s addressee. If your network is unprotected, it will be subject to bad twins attacks. Anyone can open another access point with the same name. False access points can change the traffic passing through it.
In addition, someone unauthorized to your network can bypass your router’s firewall. As a result, it may place malware on your machines and install malware. A hacker who accesses your router’s administrator account can remove firewall protections, which you won’t notice unless you check your firewall.
The Wi-Fi Network In Your Home
Your devices usually connect to the Internet through a modem or a router. You may want an additional access point for better and more coverage.
Now we will talk about the Wi-Fi system as an access point.
The router or modem comes with factory settings that are standard for each version of a particular model. If you don’t make any changes to the settings, you present a goal that everyone knows. Using your device with factory settings is a simple choice. However, it is best to customize some settings on your router’s firewall.
Understanding Wi-Fi Protocols
Wireless communication over Wi-Fi is provided by the IEEE 802.11 standard. This standard has been tried many times and showed success.
802.11ac has developed a new generation system, known as WiFi 5. In addition to the new generation 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 will be available. The Wi-Fi 6 system has not yet become widely available, but will be used everywhere when it enters the mass market. Wi-Fi sees a serious overhaul every 5 years.
The Service Set Identifier (SSID)
Each WiFi port has an SSID. The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the “name” of the unit and cannot be longer than 32 letters. The brand that produces the router provides a default SSID for you. Unfortunately, this is not a unique SSID, and you cannot prevent someone from using the same SSID with a particular access point.
Encryption Options
Wi-Fi traffic goes over the air utilizing surely understood conventions. Anyone with the necessary equipment can intervene. If your network is not protected, others can easily see what you are sending and receiving. Don’t worry, they have Wi-Fi, systems that encrypt traffic between devices and access points. If your network is a secure Internet connection, this information is protected.
An open association, for example, one at a shopping center or library, has no encryption. However, this situation presents a risk. A different user can easily set up an access point via the same SSID. This condition is called a evil twin. Customers in the shopping center or people in the library will think they are using a reliable network. Some public organizations may use it because they do not have other facilities, but building your home network in this way will cause security vulnerability.
WEP
The oldest and largest system of WiFi security types is WEP. At first glance, it appears to keep communication confidential, but over time serious security vulnerabilities have been discovered within the system. Unfortunately, it is not difficult to break this system in today’s modern computing power levels. This has become an old protocol and we do not recommend using it in your network.
WPA
Due to the security vulnerabilities mentioned above, the Wi-Fi Alliance has replaced WEP WiFi encryption with a new and different system called WPA. The first version of WPA was released in 2003. Although it was much better than WEP security before, significant weaknesses of WPA were recognized over time. In 2006, it was replaced by WPA2.
WPA2
Today, WPA2 is the best available protocol for those who want a secure WiFi connection. A serious deficit was noticed in 2017. This deficit was called KRACK. More seasoned gadgets that have not refreshed firmware for a considerable length of time are probably going to be touchy to this.
WPA3
Possibly less security vulnerabilities and a better encryption protocol, WPA3 is available as an extension to WiFi 6. It offers better security, stronger password protection, easier connection to IoT devices, and a secure encryption system for public access points. However, if both sides of the connection do not support, the network’s security system will return to WPA2. Devices that support the new protocol are likely to become widely available from the last quarter of 2020 onwards.
How To Improve Your Wi-Fi Security
A few concrete changes to your router settings will make your network’s WiFi access more secure.
- You must first replace your SSID with a name that is different from the default. Reduces the possibility of incorrect connection if a nearby device uses the same factory settings. You can say anything clever, but avoid putting real information like your own name or date of birth.
- There’s an alternative to have your passageway not communicate its SSID. This implies it won’t appear on a rundown of passageways inside scope of a gadget. That doesn’t really help you. When a customer calls the SSID, it must be published when calling, so the name cannot be hidden.
- In fact, what works for you here is to have different SSIDs for owner and guest access. With gadgets that offer this, lone the proprietor can get to the settings, including the router settings. In the event that you need guests to approach, you’ll have to give the password.
- If you are using a wireless router, you will have an administrator account. Your username is very likely “admin” or “administrator”. Please change the login information to make it difficult for unwanted users to enter your system without your knowledge. Log in to the account to check that everything is OK and check the dashboard occasionally. Please do not leave the session open when you are finished.
- Check consistently for firmware updates to your passage or router. You might have the option to set it to check and introduce them naturally. This spares you from overlooking. Updates may fix significant security issues.
If you have followed all the steps outlined above for your security, you are safe for wireless security. If you want more, here are some additional suggestions for you.
Pro Tips
- If you are not going to use your router for a long time, turn it off and unplug it. Make sure the system is not energized.
- Having it stopped while you’re in the midst of a get-away will guard it from attacks, just as sparing a little vitality and shielding it from control floods.
- Frequently review, check, and personalize your router’s firewall settings to protect your network. Close connections that you don’t use much. The smaller your attack surface, the safer the system.
Understanding Your Network
If you take more time to understand your wireless network, you can better protect your network. You should know what all devices are connected to your network and be able to identify their IP addresses. We provide you with some steps for correctly identifying your router’s IP address. This way you can see the devices that should not be there and check where they come from. Please do not hesitate to ask us your questions, share your comments and contact us.
