It is now a vital step to keep your home internet safe from hackers, as we rely on online services for everything. From work, entertainment, business, to education, finance, and health, we are at the beck and call of the internet to fulfil our daily tasks and activities.
Even with the faster and more reliable fiber internet connection, your network can still be vulnerable if basic security steps are not taken. For this, you must account for a few simple habits to strengthen your online safety and protect your personal data from cyber threats.
5 Ways To Keep Your Internet Safe From Hackers
1.Change Your Wi-Fi’s Default Settings
Each router is protected by a password by default. To protect your Wi-Fi network, it is important to change your router’s admin name and password. You should keep in mind that the two passwords on your router need to be changed.
One is the Wi-Fi network, and the other is the router admin password that you use to get into the administrative side of the router. Try to set it to something unique that does not involve your name or address, or just simple numbers like 123456, which is easy to crack.
Here’s how you can change your Wi-Fi’s default settings:
- Connect to the network
- Find the router’s IP address (it is mostly printed on the router)
- Type the IP address in the URL bar to log in
- Enter username and password
- Navigate to settings
- Change the default settings like Wi-Fi password, SSID, security, etc.
- Log out as administrator.
I will suggest setting up a “Guest Network” for your visitors at home so that your main Wi-Fi security does not get compromised in case their device is infected with malware or any other critical problems.
Additionally, for your peace of mind, try to change your Wi-Fi password every 6 months to eliminate any possibility of being hacked[HM1] .
2. Turn On The Firewall And Encryption
An extra layer of security for your Wi-Fi router won’t hurt if it prevents your Internet from getting hacked. A firewall activation will help you control incoming and outgoing signals. Meanwhile, wireless network encryption helps in transmitting data in a way that only authorized users can read[HM2] .
Even though in most of the routers, both of these security measures are active by default, it is better to check them in your router’s settings. This practice will ensure there’s no one eavesdropping on the data your Wi-Fi network is transmitting and prevents unauthorized access.
3. Use A VPN
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that is the easiest yet simplest way to protect your network from being hacked. VPN helps in hiding the network’s IP address and browsing activity. Not only the unauthorized devices not access the data, but even your Internet providers can't see the websites you are visiting or the data you are transmitting.
This way, your Wi-Fi can be protected from attacks like MITM (man-in-the-middle), which is a commonly used technique by cybercriminals to eavesdrop or intercept. Other than that, using a VPN can also help in accessing regional content[HM3] .
4. Verify Connected Devices
Keeping an eye out for connected devices can save you from a huge malware attack. Make sure to verify your connected devices daily. If there’s any suspicious activity, change the password instantly and disconnect all the previously connected devices.
Shutting down your Wi-Fi when you are not home can also help prevent cybercriminals from stealing your data. Remember, if the hackers get through your Wi-Fi network, they can also get access to your data through unsecured devices, so make it a habit to check if the connected devices are authentic or not.
5. Keep Your Router And Software Updated
Using older versions of routers can also make Wi-Fi networks vulnerable to hacking. It is best to ensure that you are using the latest version of the router and updated software. These updates help in eliminating potential threats and security issues.
Sign up with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) like Local Cable Deals or set your router to automatically update the latest versions of the software for ease. Furthermore, if your router was made before 2018, it is a WPA2 device; most probably, switching to WPA3 can be a good decision for better security protocols.
Before you leave, you must understand that staying secure online doesn’t have to be complicated, but it takes consistency. Put these simple steps into practice, and your connection will stay safer, stronger, and ready for anything.
