Uses next-generation WPA3 encryption

All routers allow the use of encryption systems that protect the data packets transmitted on the Wi-Fi network. On the other hand, these standards evolve. Consequently, the older your router is, the more obsolete the encryption method it uses will be. The most current encryption technology is WPA3. This is a new security protocol that is only available on the latest wireless devices.

This new standard offers better protection against so-called brute force attacks. It also protects against the use of common password lists. Remember that these are two of the techniques most commonly used by cybercriminals to try to breach the security of wireless networks. The first Wi-Fi devices with WPA3 are already on the market. In addition, this encryption is also included by default in all Wi-Fi 6-compatible devices. However, there are still many devices that use the previous WPA2 encryption system, and this represents a problem.

To ensure backward compatibility, manufacturers such as AVM offer simultaneous support for WPA2 and WPA3 modes in their environment. So if you buy a WPA3 router to replace your old router, your existing WPA2 wireless devices will continue to work the same way. A strong password is a good measure to secure Wi-Fi.

Do not open ports in your router’s firewall.

For security, the latest generation routers have an integrated firewall. If properly configured, the firewall automatically inspects the data packets received by the router. In this way, it can reject suspicious or unsolicited packets. Additionally, it hides network devices from being visible from the Internet by IP masquerading. It also closes all ports that allow penetration of the local network from the Internet.

Generally, these functions are included in the default configuration of router firewalls. However, protection can be reduced if you modify the settings. For this reason, you must be very vigilant. Some games, applications and online services ask you to open certain firewall ports to access their services. Indeed, these changes could leave your network vulnerable to attacks.

Disable the WPS function of your router.

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a standard promoted by the Wi-Fi Alliance to facilitate the creation of WLANs. Routers that support it have a WPS button. This makes it easy for new devices to connect to your wireless network by simply pressing it.

This is very convenient, but it also has security implications. Routers with poorly implemented WPS are more vulnerable to external intrusion. So if you are looking for maximum security, it is better not to use it. Especially if you suspect that an outsider may be trying to access your Wi-Fi. Disabling the WPS function is done by accessing your router’s firmware. The steps may vary depending on the model of equipment you have. However, it is usually done from the security settings menu. Note that most new routers are shipped with WPS enabled by default. Therefore, take the opportunity to disable it during installation.

An app to control who connects

Many routers allow you to see who is connected to your wireless network by accessing the firmware. It’s certainly not always easy. Or worse, you don’t have time to look at it every day. One solution is to use a mobile wireless network monitoring application. Preferably one that shows at all times which devices are connected.

This way, you can detect potential free-riders who want free internet. You can also detect cybercriminals trying to access your wireless network to steal personal or credit card data.

Block unknown devices

MAC address filtering is very useful. Indeed, it allows you to detect any unknown device. It also allows you to prevent someone from connecting to your Wi-Fi without permission. This is a feature available on most current routers. Consequently, it allows you to define which devices can connect to your Wi-Fi network. It also blocks all other devices that are not on the list.

However, you should keep in mind that MAC network filtering is only a complementary measure. Indeed, a knowledgeable hacker may be able to clone the Mac address of an authorized device. He could therefore still gain access to your network. You should always use it with a secure Wi-Fi network key. In addition to other protective measures. Without a doubt, this way we can secure the Wi-Fi.

Set up guest access

Alternatively, the most advanced routers on the market include a guest Wi-Fi function. This is very practical in this type of situation. It allows you to give temporary access to the wireless network to people you trust. And with a different password than the one you use. You can also set up a public hotspot without a password.

You can also configure some browsing limitations, such as setting up usage schedules. In addition, you can block access to certain websites. Additionally, it is possible to receive notifications when any of the users connect to the guest network you have created. A good alternative to secure Wi-Fi.

Store your data in a secure cloud

The cloud is a very practical invention, but do you know where the information you upload is stored? Your data travels over the Internet to data centers that may be on the other side of the world. This increases the risk of interception. Or even worse, of information being stolen from the servers of the companies that store it. Certainly, not even the best companies are totally safe.

To avoid this, some routers have a USB port. In this way it is possible to connect a storage device and share it over the network. In this way, you can store and access your data from any device in your home or office. Even from outside your home or office, but without the data traveling anywhere. An extra layer of security includes encrypting the backup content in the cloud. This way it will not be accessible to outsiders.

Set connection time limits

Young people are ‘digital natives’. If it were up to them, they would spend all day surfing the Internet, playing online video games. As well as chatting with their friends or uploading photos and videos to Instagram. However, this is not always compatible with doing homework or other necessary activities at their age. So limits must be agreed upon.

In this regard, modern routers allow you to configure Internet surfing time schedules. It is sufficient to create user profiles and define how long they can connect or in which time slots. We can also assign the devices they can use to surf the Internet.

Create whitelists of safe websites

You can also restrict the types of web pages that can be accessed by each user profile or device on your wireless network. This is done through the web filtering functionality offered by most advanced routers. These functions allow you to create white lists of allowed websites. Also black lists of not allowed sites. To configure them, you must enter the names of the sites. Likewise, the domains to which you want to allow or deny access.

This filtering is especially useful to protect the youngsters in the house. That is, to prevent them from accessing inappropriate or dangerous content. We are talking about gambling sites or pornography, for example.

Turn off the Wi-Fi connection if you are not using it.

Occasionally, the simplest solution is the most effective. Why not turn off the router’s wireless connection when you are not using it? Or simply when you don’t want anyone in the house or office to be able to connect?

In this way, you can prevent misuse or, for example, possible external threats. Another way to switch off the Wi-Fi is to press the WLAN button on the router, which switches the wireless network on and off. Very well, in this way we have seen 10 tricks to secure your Wi-Fi. Goodbye!

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