Tips and Tricks to Make Your Home Internet More Secure

Put everything aside for a moment and secure your home internet connection like your life depends on it. Don’t wait for a cyberattack to happen – protect your data now!

At times, your home network doesn’t even need a hacker lurking around to be compromised. For example, a guest that connects to your Wi-Fi may have malware on their phone, which could end up infecting your devices.

Considering the heightened risks of cyber threats and how much cybercrimes have progressed over the years, a secure home Wi-Fi network is non-negotiable.

Luckily, every problem has a solution – and so, taking some easy yet effective steps to secure your home network is all it takes.

Key Steps to Secure Your Home Internet

Life is hard as it is – who has the time and patience to deal with phishing, scams, data breaches, and the like? Put up your defenses before the cyber villains come at you.

These internet security tips will keep you out of harm’s way:

1. Change Default Router Settings and SSID

Many of us never bother to change our Wi-Fi network’s default username () and password that comes printed on the router (or its box). There’s also the router's admin name and password that lets you access the router settings via a web browser or designated phone app.

Default network and admin names hint toward your internet service provider (ISP) or router manufacturer; this information makes it easier for the hacker to crack passwords. Changing the default names to something unique (that doesn’t reveal any personal info) is the painless way to put off intruders.

Your SSID should, under no circumstances, point at you. Anyone who can view your Wi-Fi network on their device shouldn’t be able to tell the source; using your legal name or home address is a big “No.” Come up with something random and inconspicuous.

How to Change Router Admin Name and Password?

• Enter your router’s IP address in a browser
• Log into the admin panel using the default credentials
• Navigate to Administrator Settings
• Type in the new username and password
• Click Apply or Save for the changes to take effect

How to Update Wi-Fi Network Name and Password?

• Open your ISP’s mobile app
• Log into your account
• Navigate to Network or Wi-Fi Settings
• Update the name and password
• Save changes to apply the new credentials

Note: The steps for updating your credentials for router settings and Wi-Fi network may vary by provider. Refer to your ISP’s manual or online resources for exact instructions.

2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Long and complicated passwords that contain a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols are the hardest to guess and crack. Since you change Wi-Fi password for security, using basic personal info like your birthday, zodiac, or pet’s name is highly discouraged.

Additionally, never use the same password for every online account. This way, the breach of one account won’t jeopardize the rest. Memorizing complex passwords may appear to be an impossible feat, and that’s why apps exist.

3. Enable Network Encryption

Modern routers have a built-in encryption feature – . The latter is the latest and most effective, though both serve the purpose, i.e., encoding the data passing through your home network. Encoded or encrypted data is hard to interpret; hence, intruders cannot see what you do online.

The encryption feature of routers is not turned on by default, so you’ll have to adjust the settings yourself. In case WPA2 or WPA3 isn’t available, consider updating your router firmware, or simply replace it with a newer model. Outdated routers with WPA or WEP may endanger online safety.

4. Update Router Firmware Regularly

Keeping your router up-to-date is integral to securing your home Wi-Fi network. Assuming that you use a router provided by your ISP, it’s likely that the device receives updates automatically. Nonetheless, it is recommended to check with the provider’s customer support team and reboot the router from time to time.

On the contrary, a router that you bought yourself can be updated by visiting the manufacturer’s website; if a newer version of the firmware is available for download, get it ASAP. Software/firmware updates include security patches that eliminate vulnerabilities in your home network.

Note: The firmware update protocol may vary by provider. Users who have their own router may refer to the manufacturer’s official website for guidance or look up firmware updates by model number.

5. Enable Firewalls and Antivirus Software

The more layers of security you add to your home internet, the better your chances to evade cyberattacks. While your ISP is playing its part in preventing outsiders from viewing your online activity, you cannot solely rely on that.

Modern routers are equipped with firewall protection; all you have to do is enable this feature from the router settings. While firewalls efficiently detect and block most malware/viruses, you can further enhance your network security with competent .

6. Limit Access and Set Up Guest Networks

Most modern routers let you set up a secondary hotspot or Wi-Fi network, which can be used to isolate untrusted devices. If you’re someone who likes to play host often, this might be an ideal solution to keep visitors off your main home network. Your guests may not harbor evil intentions, but any pre-existing malware on their devices can infect your home network.

Setting up a separate guest network for outsiders has several advantages. For starters, you can allocate bandwidth limits, which means your guests cannot consume data above a defined threshold; this is particularly recommended for internet plans with a data cap.

7. Monitor Connected Devices

How often do you check online activity on your home network? Most ISPs let you monitor devices on home network through the router’s admin panel or a phone app. It’s good practice to name the devices you trust, so you can easily identify when a suspicious or unknown one pops up.

When a connected device seems unfamiliar, it’s best to confirm with all house members. If nobody vouches for it, this means that an intruder has gained unauthorized access to Wi-Fi. Remove or block the device from your home network without delay, as well as update your Wi-Fi name and password.

Advanced Security Tips

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of making your home internet more secure, let’s move to more advanced tips and tricks. Aside from fending off potential hackers in the neighborhood, you can hide your online activity from ISPs and block all kinds of harmful content.

Using a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool you can use to hide your IP address and online activity from all third parties, including your ISP. VPNs encrypt all data you share and receive on the internet, so anyone spying on your network won’t be able to understand or manipulate it.

DNS Filtering

DNS filtering is a sophisticated cybersecurity solution employed by organizations to personalize criteria for blocking malicious content and websites. As a result, one can control the type of content that is accessible on their network and automatically blacklist applications that go against predefined policies.

Parental Controls

While most adults are well aware of online scams and safe browsing practices, children are increasingly susceptible to digital hazards. Parental controls are an optional security measure to ensure the safety of your kids while they explore the World Wide Web.

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