In today’s data-driven and connected world, most people have one connected device at home, so you must prioritize having a secure Wi-Fi network. If you don’t, you could quickly become the victim of identity theft, compromised financial data, and even be listened to and watched by hackers. Don’t delay; act now and secure your Wi-Fi network.
What Are the Risks of Not Having Secure Wi-Fi?
Your home network must have secure Wi-Fi. If it’s not secure, you may face some of the many real risks discussed below.
Evil Twin Attacks
If you access public Wi-Fi hotspots, you’ll want to take special notes about evil twin attacks. These attacks occur when a system is set up to impersonate a legitimate hot spot. The hackers then strengthen the broadcast signal on the impersonating Wi-Fi signal, and unsuspecting people will connect to the stronger signal. Unfortunately, once connected, the attacker has complete access to any data the victims send via the internet. This data often includes password combinations, credit card numbers and other personal information. Before connecting to any public Wi-Fi hotspot, always confirm the name and password to ensure you’re using a trusted access point.
Piggybacking
If your neighborhood’s houses or apartments are close, someone could easily access your network from the street or their home. For example, the outdoor range for a Wi-Fi connection could extend as far as 1,000 feet, so people could easily access your network to monitor your web traffic, security cameras, personal files or even conduct illegal activities.
Shoulder Surfing
While becoming engrossed in a project or your connected device in public is easy, you must always recognize your surroundings and stay alert. Shoulder surfing occurs when attackers steal personal or sensitive information by watching you. Consider purchasing screen protectors for larger devices, such as tablets or laptops; for smaller devices, such as phones, be aware of your surroundings before entering passwords or viewing sensitive information.
Unauthorized Computer Access
If you have any shared files or folders on your devices, you could unintentionally share these files with attackers when you are connected to an unsecured public network. If you are forced to connect to an unsecured network, ensure you deny sharing all your files and folders. Only allow file and folder sharing when necessary and on recognized home or business networks.
Wardriving
Wardriving is a type of piggybacking. We mentioned networks being accessed from the street, which is what this type of piggybacking entails. Some hackers have made a hobby of driving around neighborhoods with wireless computers to search for unsecured wireless networks.
Wireless Sniffing
You’ve likely noticed that many public access points are unsecured, meaning the data is not encrypted when you connect. This puts your sensitive information at high risk, especially when entering credit card numbers or passwords. Before connecting to a public access point, ensure the access uses a minimum WPA2 encryption.
How to Minimize Risks When Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks
Now that we’ve given you important information about how attackers and hackers gain access to non secure Wi-Fi, you’re probably wondering how to minimize your risks of becoming a victim. Here are some vital tips to implement immediately.
Change Passwords
Most wireless access points and network devices come pre-configured, meaning they have default administrator passwords for setup. Unfortunately, these passwords are easy to obtain online, so changing your default password is necessary. Periodically changing passwords and having them be complex, with various letters, symbols and numbers, will be your first defense against hackers and ensure you have a more secure Wi-Fi network.
Encrypt Data
Encrypt your wireless data using WPA, WPA2 and WPA3.
Restrict Access
Only allow devices you authorize on your network. If you have guests, create a “guest” account that only provides wireless access using a separate channel, complete with a different password.
Protect your SSID
Avoid publicizing your SSID (Service Set Identifier), especially if you live in a neighborhood. Protecting your SSID and not advertising it makes it significantly more difficult for hackers to find your network. If you prefer not to hide it, make it unique and not the manufacturer’s default, making it easier for attackers to identify the type of router you have.
Add a Firewall to Devices
Consider installing a host-based firewall directly on your devices and home network. A host-based firewall adds an extra layer of protection over a standard network firewall.
Maintain Antivirus Software
Install and keep antivirus software and definitions up to date. If you’re a Home Telecom High-Speed Internet customer, you’ll automatically qualify for FREE internet security software from Trend Micro™.
Home Telecom’s MyWiFi Xtreme Offers the Ultimate Secure Wi-Fi Network Protection
If you’re a Home Telecom internet customer, you can rest assured that we have covered your secure Wi-Fi network needs!
MyWiFi Xtreme provides the next level of security and robust controls, all in our convenient app. Here are just a few reasons why you need to download MyWiFi Xtreme:
- Take charge of your Wi-Fi, manage passwords and even create guest networks.
- Protect your home network surveillance by automatically blocking suspicious activities.
- Expand your Wi-Fi coverage and help eradicate dead zones.
- Add parental controls and even set device-specific time limits for kids.
- Filter content for family members, including websites and apps.
- Prioritize and monitor bandwidth by device.
MyWiFi Xtreme is so effective that every month, it averages:
- 203,752 Web Threats Blocked
- 65 Viruses Blocked
- 153,273 Intrusions Blocked
Learn more about MyWiFi Xtreme today and guard yourself against attacks and hackers.
Secure Your Home on Vacation With HomeSmart
Now that you’ve booked the perfect vacation using the best travel apps 2024, you’ll want to ensure you get started securing your home while you’re away. Watch this helpful video to see how Home Telecom’s HomeSmart technology can help monitor your home while on vacation. Additionally, read more about how to protect your home while on vacation.
Contact our team today if you want to learn more about HomeSmart Security.