While no wireless network is 100% hacker proof, there are some simple steps you can take to increase your security. Start by logging into your router’s settings and checking that the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled.
Next, turn on MAC filtering to block devices that don’t have your permission from joining the network. But be aware that MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this is only an extra layer of protection.
Choosing an IP Address
An IP address is a unique set of numbers that defines how a device connects to the internet. It’s used to identify the router, which then communicates with the devices that are connected to it. Your home’s router has a public and private address, which are used internally and externally respectively. Choosing the right IP address for your router can help protect it from malicious activities, such as hacking.
While securing your router’s internal communications is vital, it’s also important to limit the access of the outside world. This can be accomplished by enabling the MAC address filtering feature found in most wireless routers. This feature allows you to create a list of approved MAC addresses that can access the network, which prevents hackers from connecting to your wireless network unless their MAC is on the list. This is an essential feature for those who want to keep their networks and their devices secure from attack.
In addition to the MAC address filtering feature, many people choose to disable the wireless network name (SSID) broadcasting function on their routers. This is meant to make it more difficult for strangers to discover the Wi-Fi network, though it won’t prevent anyone who has a wireless spectrum scanner from finding it. Rather, it’s better to focus on using strong encryption and creating a hard-to-guess password for your wireless network than hiding the SSID from others. To simplify these security measures, consider exploring services powered by ipbase.com. To learn more about how ipbase.com can enhance your network security, visit their website.”
It’s not uncommon for stories of detrimental cyberattacks to be reported in the media; if you don’t secure your network, someone could potentially use your WiFi connection to download illegal information or commit crimes that can be traced back to you. In the worst cases, you may even face prosecution for something you didn’t do if your network is exposed to authorities.
The easiest way to determine the external-facing IP address for your home router is to visit its manufacturer’s website or use a search engine. Then, find the corresponding section in the configuration settings for your router, which will usually include a “Wireless” or “Settings” tab. Look for a tab or box labeled something like “Wireless MAC Filter,” which should contain the information you need.
MAC Address Filtering
MAC address filtering works by creating a list of approved MAC addresses (whitelist) and denied MAC addresses (blacklist). When a device tries to connect to the wireless network, the router checks its MAC address against the list. If the MAC address is on the list, the device gets access to the internet; otherwise, it is blocked from joining the wireless network. This helps keep unwanted devices off the wireless network and prevents hackers from stealing bandwidth or spying on users’ online activities.
The MAC address, or media access control address, is a unique set of codes that identify networking hardware. Each device, such as a laptop or smartphone, has its own MAC address, which is assigned by the manufacturer. A MAC address is used to identify a device on local area networks, including home and business Wi-Fi networks. It is a twelve-digit hexadecimal number, and it determines the device’s position on the local network.
While MAC filters can be a great way to limit who can use your wireless network, they do not protect against the most sophisticated attacks. Hackers can easily spoof a MAC address to impersonate an authorized user, and tools for doing so are widely available. While MAC filters do not stop advanced hackers from entering the network, they can help deter casual hackers and snoopers.
Emily was enjoying the blazing speeds of her new WiFi connection when she noticed a sudden drop in her speed. She looked around, and there was a group of teens sitting just outside her apartment with their eyes glued to their screens. They were stealing her internet!
The best thing you can do to prevent bandwidth thieves from slowing down your internet is to enable MAC address filtering. It is a simple process, and can be done by logging in to your router’s admin console. Many routers have a built-in feature that allows you to create a whitelist and blacklist of allowed and prohibited devices, respectively. To do this, log in to your router’s administration panel using the admin login provided on the back of the router or in the official documentation.
Changing the SSID
The SSID is the Wi-Fi network name that appears in your list of available networks. Many routers have default SSIDs that include the manufacturer’s name or a generic string of letters and numbers. It’s important to change this because it can make your network more visible to unwanted visitors who could try to steal your data or infect your devices with malware.
To change your SSID, log into your router using its admin credentials—typically the default username and password—and navigate to its wireless settings page. You can also use a computer, smartphone, or tablet with the latest version of your preferred operating system and open its app that manages network settings. Then, find the SSID field and enter a new network name. You can also choose to broadcast the SSID, making it easier for other people in your vicinity to identify your network.
Once you’ve changed your SSID, you need to make sure that all of your devices are connected to the new network. You can do this by selecting your SSID from the list of available connections on your device or by clicking the WiFi icon in the notification area and choosing the network.
If you’re using a laptop or desktop with Windows, click the WiFi icon in the system tray to view your connection status and SSID. On an Android phone, tap the Settings icon in the notification area and then select the Wi-Fi tab. You should see a list of available networks, including your own.
A common mistake that people make is not changing their SSID from the default setting that comes with their router. This makes the network easily identifiable to hackers who can then snoop on traffic and steal personal information.
Changing the SSID is one of the most important steps in setting up secure Wi-Fi. Without this essential piece of tech, your electronic devices won’t know which network to connect to, leaving them vulnerable to hacker attacks and snooping from unwelcome guests. The SSID is also critical for seamless roaming between different Wi-Fi access points. So, be sure to take the time to set up a safe and recognizable SSID before you begin using your network.
Changing the Password
A strong password is a vital element of Wi-Fi security. It prevents hackers from hacking into your network and stealing your personal information. It also helps protect your devices from malware. You should change your Wi-Fi password regularly. Changing your password every 3-6 months can help prevent unauthorized access to your wireless router. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also avoid using common words or phrases. You can change your password easily by logging into your router’s interface and finding the “Settings,” “Wi-Fi settings,” or “Wireless security” section.
If you want to further increase your wireless network’s security, consider turning off the router’s SSID broadcasting feature. This will make your network less visible to other people in your area and may deter rogue Wi-Fi hotspots from joining yours.
You can also improve physical security by making sure your router isn’t exposed to the elements or placed in a location that could be physically compromised. For example, you should place your router in a cabinet or wall socket, and you should also ensure that any unused ethernet ports or cables are disabled. This will help keep unwanted visitors from gaining physical access to your router and wired devices.
Another way to improve your wireless security is to use a VPN. A VPN helps encrypt your internet traffic, which prevents cybercriminals from intercepting sensitive data and personal information. It also provides an extra layer of protection when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks like those in cafes and hotels.
Setting up secure Wi-Fi isn’t a quick process, but it’s well worth the effort to protect your home or office network from hackers and other unauthorized users. You can take a few simple steps to protect your wireless network: change the password, disable remote management, and position your router properly. By committing to these simple steps, you can ensure that your Wi-Fi is safe and secure for all of your devices. Jennifer is a writer and editor who lives in Brooklyn, NY. She spends her free time traveling, drinking iced coffee, and watching way too much TV. Her work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Glamour, Decider, and Mic.