Although you wouldn’t think twice about sharing your Wi-Fi password with a house guest, would you do the same for a stranger lurking outside your home? To make sure your family and friends are the only ones connected to your home’s internet provider, it’s vital that you keep your network inaccessible to outside sources. With so many devices accessing the internet in a household, it can be hard to keep track of specific logins and shared passwords. Below are a few tips to ensure your Wi-Fi network isn’t susceptible to invasion and malicious activity.

Tips for a Better Protected Wi-Fi Network

1. Change Your Home Network Name

Your home network name, which is also known as an SSID (service set identifier), is completely customizable. Most home wireless routers come with a default name that can makes it easy for hackers to figure out which type of router you have. Changing the name to remove any mention of your network or provider can deter unwanted usage.

2. Create a Unique Password

Sharing a Wi-Fi passwords has become common practice, but you should avoid making your password too simple. When creating a password for your home’s Wi-Fi network, choose a string of letters, numbers, and symbols between 15 and 20 characters. By doing so, you can ensure your password is unique and all but impossible for outsiders to guess at random.

3. Switch Off Network Name Broadcasting

To keep your Wi-Fi out of sight, you can opt to turn off network name broadcasting entirely. After you turn this feature off, your network will be invisible to anyone who isn’t already connected to it. This is especially useful if you live in a packed neighborhood or within the same network range as a local business. Disabling network name broadcasting will still allow house guests to connect, but they’ll need to get the network name from you before doing so.

4. Activate Your Firewall

Most wireless routers come equipped with a built-in firewall which prevents potentially damaging intrusions to your hardware. However, it’s possible that your router is shipped with this feature turned off. Double-check that it’s switched on to make sure your home network isn’t susceptible to hacking.

5. Keep Your Software Up to Date

No technology is perfect. Consistently updating your software is the only way to ensure your wireless router is equipped to keep out malicious hackers. Neglecting to patch your software can leave doors open to harmful activity. Check with your internet provider to make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions for your Wi-Fi network.

Want better Wi-Fi? Get in touch with WVT in Warwick, NY. They’ve been servicing households and small businesses in northern New Jersey and Orange County, NY, for over 115 years. From local landline installation to home Wi-Fi, they provide impeccable customer service and up-to-date technology ideal for your home or business. Call them today at (845) 986-8080 or check out their website for more information on their high-speed internet, local landline services, and bundle packages.