Is Your Wi-Fi Making You Vulnerable? How to Lock Down Your Network

Between cell phones, TVs and smart home systems, the average US household has 21 Wi-Fi connected devices. And the more devices, the more vulnerable homes are to Wi-Fi security breaches.

“If your Wi-Fi is compromised, every connected device is at risk,” says wireless technology expert Andy Hurt. “Many people never update their Wi-Fi settings, and attackers rely on that neglect.”

In fact, a third of those who use smart home devices have reported being victims of a data breach or scam, reports Consumer Affairs. But, don’t fully panic, says cybersecurity expert Jacob Anderson. The risks are often overblown by social media influencers, who use scare-alerts to bring eyeballs to their channels.

Still, it is important to bolster your Wi-Fi security, and it’s not complicated. “The fix usually takes minutes and costs nothing,” says Hurt. Here’s how to easily increase your Wi-Fi security.

Why Can Wi-Fi Become a Security Risk?

An unsecured Wi-Fi network can open the door for hackers to access your personal files, hijack smart devices and steal your data, such as credit card information, passwords and photos.

“Once captive, they could even send you to a rogue app store and get you to install a fake app that is designed to steal more of your data and monitor your activity,” says Anderson. “I’ve seen apps in the past that were disguised as Amazon’s app but were really audio eavesdropping tools.”

People can also use your network to commit cybercrimes, which would then be linked back to your home Wi-Fi, “meaning law enforcement could potentially execute a search warrant at your address and treat you as a suspect,” says digital forensics and cybercrime expert Calum Baird.

What Is a Wi-Fi Network Security Key?

A Wi-Fi network security key is the password you use to log into your network. It protects your network by encrypting data between your devices and the internet.

“Be sure not to provide it to anyone you’re unsure of, unless you’re willing to take the risk,” says Baird. “This typically includes contractors who may be visiting your home.”

How do I find my Wi-FI security key?

Typically, the default password will be printed on a sticker on your router (the device given to you by your internet service provider). Often that sticker is on the bottom. Once you find it, “you should set your own Wi-Fi security key,” says consumer privacy expert Paul Bischoff.

How to Tell If Your Wi-Fi is Vulnerable?

Several factors can make your Wi-Fi vulnerable. One common problem is sticking with the default password. And “if there’s no password enabled, anyone can join, and that’s very risky,” says Baird.

Older routers also often have outdated security settings, such as WEP or WPA encryption. “WPA2 encryption is ideal or, if you have the option, WPA3 is even better,” says Baird. The dialogue box that appears when you attempt to connect to a network typically indicates the encryption method in use.

Two red flags to especially watch out for are if you see unknown devices connected to your network, or if you see two Wi-Fi networks with the same name (in the dropdown menu on your device screen, which shows available networks). The latter means someone is trying to impersonate that network, says Anderson.

How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Most basic security improvements to your home Wi-Fi network can be made via the internet.”No Pro needed, and these configurations take less than 15 minutes to implement,” says Hurt.

But first, you’ll need to log into your internet service provider’s account on the internet, to access your router’s control dashboard. Look for a sticker on your Wi-Fi router marking the Internet Protocol (IP) address and username/password. Those will allow you to change your settings. From there, you can accomplish the following:

Check the Encryption

For the most secure network, turn off WEP or WPS, and in the router settings, set the encryption to WPA2-AES or WPA3. “Older options like WEP are unsafe [and] convenience features can weaken security,” says Hurt.

Change Default Passwords

Change the passwords for both your Wi-Fi network and the router admin login. Anderson recommends a totally random 12-character, or longer, alphanumeric digit key. Alternatively, Baird suggests using one that is memorable, to make it easier to remember and share with those you trust. While you’re at it, “you can also change the SSID (network name) to something memorable and fun if you want,” says Baird.

Update Router Firmware

Turn on auto-updates for your router firmware, or check regularly to make sure it’s updated. “Many people assume updates happen automatically,” says Hurt. “Wi-Fi security fails most often because people assume it is already handled.”

Create A Guest Network

Configure a second, separate Wi-Fi network for visitors, on a different “subnet,” which will help protect your main devices. Make sure to use a strong password for this network, too.

Set Access Controls

Use MAC filtering to prevent unknown devices from using your Wi-Fi. There will be a function in your router’s dashboard to set up a list of trusted MAC numbers, says Anderson.

FAQ

Is 5GHz more secure than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi?

Not inherently, because security depends more on your encryption. However, 5GHz has a shorter range, making it harder for hackers to access from a distance, says Hurt.

Is wired Wi-Fi more secure than cellular Wi-Fi?

Again, it depends mostly on the security you set up on your network. But in general, Wi-Fi is more secure because you can control more aspects of it than you can with cellular data networks, says Anderson. “On your cellular data network device, look into using a reputable VPN connection,” he says. “Apple devices have this available as a standard feature.”

Does your Wi-Fi provider impact Wi-Fi security?

Yes. “Providers that supply modern routers and automatic updates help, but users still need strong passwords and good settings,” says Hurt.

About the Experts

• Calum Baird is a digital forensics and incident crime response consultant at Systal Technology Solutions, and a former detective specializing in digital forensics and cybercrime investigations for Police Scotland.
• Jacob Anderson has extensive experience in software development, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He has been president of Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions since 2000.
• Andy Hurt is a wireless technology expert at SIMO, a software-as-a-service data connectivity company that targets wireless devices, such as tablets, laptops, or IoTs, that are currently unconnected or poorly connected on cellular networks.
• Paul Bischoff is a consumer privacy advocate at Comparitech, a pro-consumer website providing information, tools, reviews and comparisons to help its readers improve their cybersecurity and privacy online.

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