The Easiest Ways to Make Your Home Network More Secure
While there is no foolproof way to ensure that everything on your wireless network is completely secure, there are some things you can do to make it more secure. In addition to setting up devices that don’t rely on your wireless network, you can use several other tools to prevent hacking and increase the privacy of your wireless network. With a few practical steps, you can have peace of mind when using your home security system or Wi-Fi network.
Use a wired connection to prevent interference
Wireless home security cameras are convenient and cost-effective, but it’s a good idea to include a few devices that don’t rely on a wireless network, just in case. Since any wireless network is vulnerable to interference, using devices that do not use a wireless signal is a good backup measure. They can be as simple as window alarms , or can be as extensive as a wired security camera system that records data on a dash cam. For most people, one or two wired cameras at key entry points, such as the front and back doors, or at the entrance to the garage, are sufficient.
In addition to wired security devices, you can also use an Ethernet Internet connection with a firewall to prevent sensitive information on your home computer from being accessed without a physical connection to your network. Ethernet is a wired Internet connection option that is often faster and less unstable than a wireless connection, and has the added benefit of being resistant to interference and hacking.
Change frequency frequently to prevent jamming
Wi-Fi jammers work by interrupting a signal at a specific frequency. Changing the frequency your network operates on can help prevent jammers from hijacking your signal. Frequency hopping spread spectrum devices are an option that automatically changes the frequency of your Wi-Fi signal, making it difficult to use RF jammers to disrupt Wi-Fi connections to your home security devices. Although FHSS is considered an older and outdated technology for many Wi-Fi devices because more modern Wi-Fi security is focused on data protection, it is useful for preventing interference attacks. Consumer Reports has tested several home security systems for interference immunity, and there are several devices that have tested well for frequency interference immunity, including the Honeywell smart home security system . If you’re considering a home security upgrade, you should look for devices that use FHSS technology or a similar frequency-shifting feature to thwart jamming attempts.
Create unique passwords
When you set up your home wireless network, your router most likely has a password for initial access. Additionally, the manufacturer also generates an administrative password as a way to access your router’s settings. These passwords are known to be easy to discover and are not intended to be a long-term network security solution. Create a password that is different from the password that came with your device and that also does not contain information such as birthdays, addresses, or important dates that could be easily discovered by strangers.
Create a new name for your network
When you install a new wireless network device, it will most likely have a name assigned by the manufacturer. This is a placeholder that allows you to set up your network, but you should come up with your own name that will not be associated with your name or address once it is activated. This will make it more difficult to find and penetrate your wireless network.
Disable remote access control
Most routers have remote settings capability, which allows you to manage device permissions and settings from a computer not connected to the device. In addition, many routers also offer universal Plug and Play technology, allowing any device connected to the router to access its settings without using a password and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), allowing you to press a button on the modem to instantly connect without entering the password. password. While all of these features can be convenient, they are also a great way for those seeking valuable data or access to security devices to gain access to your network without your knowledge. Disabling these features can help make your wireless network more secure.
Use encryption
With newer routers, encrypting your network is as simple as selecting WPA 3 Personal or WPA 2 Personal in Network Settings. Older routers do not have these options and, as a result, are much less secure than new ones. Using an outdated router makes your network less secure because it does not support higher levels of encryption.
Don’t stay logged in
While it’s convenient to stay logged into your Wi-Fi administrator account, you should log out once you’re done setting it up. This is because anyone with access to your device (even remotely) can use an administrator account to change Wi-Fi settings and access connected devices, including your home security system. If you’re logged out, a potential hacker will need your password to get into your Wi-Fi settings.
Use your firewall
One default setting that your router usually has is actually best left as is, and that is the firewall. Most routers come with a firewall already turned on, which helps protect your Wi-Fi network and connected devices. You should check if it is enabled to improve the security of your wireless network.