Home WiFi Network Best Practices
This guide provides basic instructions to help improve the security and privacy settings on for home WiFi networks. Since home WiFi network hardware varies depending on the manufacturer, some steps may vary slightly from what is outlined here. While this guide aims to cover best practices, it serves only as a general reference and may require adjustments based on your specific device's features and settings.
10 important settings that will significantly improve the security of your home WiFi network:
1. Enable WPA2 or WPA3 Encryption -
Set your Wi-Fi to use WPA2 or WPA3 for secure communication between your devices and the router.
2. Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) -
Turn off WPS, as it can be exploited to bypass Wi-Fi security.
3. Use a Strong and Unique Passphrase -
Create a strong passphrase for your Wi-Fi that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access. Example: Fr0mRu55!@W!thL0v3!
4. Update Router Firmware Regularly -
Keep your router firmware up to date to patch vulnerabilities and enhance security features.
5. Change Default Router Settings -
Replace default usernames and passwords for router access with custom, secure credentials.
6. Disable Remote Management -
Turn off remote access to your router settings unless absolutely necessary.
7. Limit Connected Devices -
Only allow trusted devices to connect to your network, and regularly review connected devices.
8. Set Up a Guest Network -
Use a separate guest network for visitors to keep your main network secure.
9. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) -
Configure your home router use a VPN. This protects your online activities by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted connection.
10. Turn Off Network When Not in Use -
Power down your router during extended periods of inactivity for added security.