Securing your network at home and protecting your personal information has never been so important in today’s connected world. It’s important to take strong security measures in order to protect personal data and prevent hackers from accessing our smart devices, including routers and smart TVs. These are the essential steps you can take to improve your smart device and router security:
Change default passwords. Start by changing all the default passwords on your router, and any connected devices. Hackers often use default passwords to access unauthorized sites. To minimize risk, create strong passwords that are unique for every device.
Check for Firmware Updates: Make sure to regularly check your smart device and router manufacturers’ websites. Updates to firmware often contain security patches which address vulnerabilities. Maintaining your network’s security requires that you keep the firmware updated.
Enable network encryption: Secure your wireless home network with Wi-Fi encryption. WPA2 and WPA3 are strong encryption protocols that provide security to your wireless network. Use modern encryption protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3 instead of outdated methods like WEP.
Use the firewall built into your router for an additional layer of security. Firewalls monitor incoming and egressing network traffic and block malicious connections and unauthorized attempts to access the system.
Disable remote management: If not absolutely necessary disable the remote control of your router. Hackers can use remote management to compromise the security of your network by manipulating your router settings.
Create a guest network: Establish a separate, private network to welcome guests into your home. The network must be separate from the main network to limit access to files and devices. This prevents security breaches, and safeguards sensitive data.
Secure Wireless Devices with Strong Encryption: Use strong encryption when connecting wireless devices to the home network. Devices that lack or only offer weak encryption should be avoided.
Re-evaluate the device security settings regularly: Regularly review your devices’ security settings. Disable services and features that are not necessary. They may expose you to potential security vulnerabilities. Activate features like two-factor authentication to add an additional layer of protection.
These security measures can help protect your network at home and your information from being hacked. You can have the convenience of an interconnected home, without having to compromise your security and privacy.