Secure Wi-Fi and Wireless Technology Security Tips

Your Wi-Fi network is another handy access point that hackers use to infiltrate your computers, steal your identity, and grab your personal details. With news of data breaches happening almost daily, now more than ever, you cannot be too diligent in securing your home Wi-Fi network and mobile device equipment. Along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connections are also vulnerable points of entry. Read on to find out how to secure your wifi and wireless technology.

Network Equipment Security (Router/Modem)

When you sign up for internet access, you need a modem and router or combo unit. This device is the gateway that exposes your inside network to the outside world. If vulnerable, it could be exploited by hackers and cybercriminals to gain access to all your data. 

The first thing to do is set a very secure password for your router/modem. Then set a long, complex password for Wi-Fi access. Although it may take longer to enter and connect devices, it will be worth the extra time. 

Tips for network security are:

• Turn on encryption in the administration area of your router.

• Change the default network name and make it personal and hard to guess.

• Use the strongest encryption available on your router (WP2/3 is the current best). 

• Turn on MAC address filtering so only your devices can connect to your Wi-Fi network.

• Monitor your network for any unauthorized access and review connected devices often.

• If you go on vacation or leave town, turn off your network equipment in your absence. 

Computer Safety Tips

The best way to keep your computer and data safe is by using a highly rated antivirus/anti-malware/anti-ransomware software program. The best security programs also monitor your Wi-Fi network, alert you to any attacks or intrusions, and protects against phishing emails and spoofed websites. Below is a list of the highest-rated security solutions for your computer:

• Avast.

• Bitdefender.

• Kaspersky Antivirus.

• Norton Security.

Be sure to install the browser components (if available) to keep your web browsing private and safe.

Some other computer safety tips are:

• Watch out for phishing email scams, they look very legitimate but are not.

• Never click a link or download an attachment in emails.

• Only shop on sites using a legitimate SSL (https web address).

• Secure your computer with a long, complex password and change it often.

• Change your online account passwords frequently and use a complex combination of letters, symbols, and numbers.

• Consider a password vault where you can store all your “strong” passwords and log in automatically from your browser.

• Never use the same passwords on multiple websites.

• Do not use personally identifiable information in passwords like your birth date, pet’s name, etc.

Always use common sense when browsing online. Some of the security programs offer a VPN that hides your public IP address and makes it much harder for hackers to find and track you. 

How to Secure Your WiFi and Connected Devices

Your connected devices are more vulnerable than your hard-wired computers. Whenever you use public Wi-Fi, you run the risk of someone intercepting your information. Even within your own home, use extra caution on all your mobile devices and secure them as you would if they were being used on an unsecured public network. Some tips to keep in mind are: 

• Set your mobile device security settings to encrypt all the data.

• Configure a lock-screen password, PIN, or set up facial recognition or fingerprint logins.

• Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks with your device if possible. 

• When logging onto your bank or credit card accounts from your mobile device, use cellular data rather than Wi-Fi. It is a more secure connection.

• Consider using a VPN to mask your IP location and all your online activities.

• Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it.

• When accessing websites from your mobile device, always look for the https to ensure they are secured.

• Only download and install trusted mobile apps with a good reputation for security.

Nowadays, you have to stay one step ahead of the criminals. Keep abreast of the latest technology and refresh your equipment with security patches and operating system updates. Stay alert and always on the lookout for anything that seems out of place or “not right” in your network.