Your home wireless network is prone to many network security issues, such as privacy attacks and online thefts if you do not secure it the right way. Though the dangers of leaving the network open are numerous, not many users are aware of them. Note that your wireless router can be accessed not just within the walls of your house, but outside it also. If you have not setup a password for the connection, anyone within the range can access it without any hassles. Moreover, even if you have setup a password, if it is not strong enough, hackers will be able to break into it.

A powerful wireless network can send its signals over 100 yards, which makes it even more important to ensure proper network security. The primary reason why most wireless networks are unsecure is that wireless routers often come unlocked. Nevertheless, the first time user would be able to use it without setting up a password, compromising on network security.

Why Secure Your Wireless Network?

• Your internet access speed will decrease considerably
• Hackers or intruders can perform illegal activities
• Your system will be prone to virus and malware attacks
• Your internet use can be monitored
• Access to files in your network becomes possible
• Your login credentials and personal details can be copied

How To Secure The Wireless Network

Change default SSID – The Service Set Identifier is used to label your wireless connection with a name. Most routers come with generic SSID’s, which are preset by the manufacturer. The first thing you can do to ensure network security is to change it to anything else you prefer.

Activate WPA/WEP encryption – Most wireless devices use specific encryption types to prevent unauthorized user access with the help of a key or password. Choose the security encryption type as WPA2 (currently the strongest) and setup a strong password.

Firewalls – These are software that monitor the internet activities of a system for vulnerabilities and attacks. If your wireless router does not have one, you can either make use of the Windows Firewall or install third party software.

In addition, it is unsafe to access internet by connecting to open wireless networks that are not encrypted. Make sure that you disable the “Auto connect to open networks” feature in your mobile phones and computers, as any data exchange through such networks can be recorded or monitored.