Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives, and the home network is no exception. Hackers and cybercriminals constantly find new ways to exploit weaknesses. If you’re a non-techie, it can be overwhelming to think about all the different steps you need to take to protect your network.
However, by following the best ways for securing your home network, you can ensure your data is safe from malicious attacks. This article details best practices for securing your home network and provides tips and tricks for non-techies to get started.
Home Wireless Network Security
If a person can access your home network, they can easily access your data by ”listening” to your online communications. For this reason, you need to understand how to protect your home Wi-Fi connection to keep your devices safe from cybercriminals.
When cybercriminals have access to your Wi-Fi, they can launch several malicious activities. These can include “man in the middle” attacks, ransomware, or even stealing data directly from your WiFi network.
Protecting your home network from cyber threats can be a lengthy process initially, but becomes simple eventually. While cyber security continues to be a major problem, it is critical to safeguard your network against such attacks.
Tips for Securing Your Home Network
- Modernize your operating system and keep it up-to-date: The latest version of an operating system includes features and capabilities that were not present in earlier versions. This ensures users are better protected from risks. Security features are activated by default, making it harder for attackers to gain privileged access. To further prevent these attacks, it is advised to use the most up to date and supported operating systems for desktops, laptops and mobile devices.
- Set up a wireless network using WPA3 or WPA2: To keep your wireless transmissions secure, ensure your router is up-to-date and has Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) capability. If some of your devices don’t support WPA3, use WPA2/3 instead. This gives newly released devices the ability to use the more secure method, while still allowing ancient devices to join the network with WPA2. When setting up WPA3 or WPA2/3, use an encrypted password with at least 20 characters.
- Ensure router firmware is up-to-date: It is essential to create a secure network connection. Many wireless routers don’t automatically upgrade their software, so you need to do it manually. To update your router’s firmware, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the firmware update file. Install it directly on your router. Each router brand has its own firmware updating process, so read the instructions carefully on their website.
- Employ firewall capabilities: Ensure your home router can act as a firewall. Check that it has a network address translation feature enabled to protect external systems from accessing your home network. Wireless access points are rarely protected from malicious activity. It is often necessary to buy a separate router. When connecting to an Internet Service Provider that supports IPv6, ensure the router has the necessary firewall capabilities to secure its use.
- Protect passwords: Keep passwords and answers to security questions secure, as they are the key to accessing personal information. Passwords should be long and complex, and not the same for multiple accounts. They should be designed in a way that is difficult to guess. Passwords and challenge questions should not be left unprotected where malicious actors can gain access. It is highly suggested to use a password manager as it gives you the chance to use unique, complicated passwords without remembering them.
- Set limits on your wireless network access: Be aware of the security risks associated with sharing your home network credentials. Do not allow people you don’t know to connect to your Wi-Fi. The more people have access to your home network, the easier it is to steal data without your permission. For instance, strangers don’t need access to your home network. Unless it’s a technician from your internet provider, it’s advisable not to let unknown devices access your home’s wireless network.
- Enable Wi-Fi network encryption: Most routers that use WPA2 or WPA3 provide encryption. This feature can be activated through your WIFI router settings, by entering your IP address and router login details. Turning on encryption for your Wi-Fi connection encrypts any data sent between your wireless device and the network. Enabling this feature will protect your WiFi network from anyone who listens in without logging in.
These tips, along with others found in the Python logging series, can help keep your home network safe and secure.
Endnote
Having a secure home network should be a top concern if you want to protect your data. Even if you are not a tech expert, these tips can help you strengthen your home network security against cyberattacks. Educating your family members about network security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your home network can keep you safe from malicious attackers.
