Best Ways to Protect Your Home Network Security

Keep Your Network Safe

Security is more than just cameras and alarms; security also involves your home network. With all the personal information tied up on our computers and online accounts it’s vital that you take steps to ensure that your wireless connections is as secure as possible to keep your personal information safe.

Before you ensure your network’s security – be sure that your wireless network is set up properly here! 

Give Your Network a Unique Name

When setting up your wireless router, choose a name that’s unique and memorable to you. DO NOT use personal information such as names, addresses, birthdays, or any part of the router password.

Your wireless router will come with a default network name, which you should not use for two reasons:

Many of your neighbors may use their default network name, which can make it cumbersome to identify which is yours when trying to join the network or when allowing guests to join.

Cybercriminals may find it easier to crack standard, simple network names. If attackers gain access to your network, it can compromise your security and privacy because then, they could gain access to your data, information, or accounts.

Use A Unique Password

The router’s default password may come automatically programmed with the device. Like the default network name, this makes it far easier for hackers to gain access to your network. Be sure to reset and customize your network password. A strong network password should generally include the following:

1. At least 10 characters (the more the better)
2. A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
3. Special characters such as @#$%!

Here are a couple tips to put these basic requirements to work:

DO NOT use your birthday, any word already used in your network name, or any other easily guessed dates, names, or phrases.

You can use a password generator to create a completely unique combination of characters for your password, although this can make it difficult to remember your password if you need to enter the password often.

Studies show that the best way to secure your home network is by lengthening your password. The more total characters you use, the better. If using a unique word or phrase, you can use special characters and numbers to replace regular characters. (ex. i >!)

Don’t Put Off Firmware Updates

While it may seem like a hassle to wait for updates on any of your devices, manufacturers release them for a variety of important reasons including, but not limited to improved security, performance, and functionality. It is so important to stay up to date on many of these products. This is particularly true of your wireless network router.

Ensure Your Internet is Strong & Secure 

A strong network setup when you move in and continued maintenance throughout the years, are the foundations of your home wireless network's strength and security. Don’t live your day-to-day frustrated by your network connection, continuing to watch buffering wheels, or resetting your modem. We can help make sure you’re prepared before you even move in.

Learn more about ensuring a strong and fast wireless network connection here! 

If you have any questions about your network equipment or usage needs, just let us know – we’re here to make sure every detail is taken care of.

BONUS – Helpful Network Terms You Should Know

1. LAN – A local area network (LAN) is a collection of computers and peripheral devices in a certain geographic region (i.e. your home) that share a common communications line or wireless link to a server. A local area network can service as few as two or three users in a home or as many as thousands of users at a corporate headquarters. LANs are set so that network nodes may connect and share resources like printers and network storage.
2. Wi-Fi – This is the radio signal that’s transmitted from a wireless router to a nearby device, which converts the signal into data that can be seen and used. The router, which connects to the internet by wire or cable, receives a radio signal from the device.
3. Network Switches - To increase the number of Ethernet ports on your router, a switch can be used for wired or partially wired networks. They're useful if you have a lot of wired devices, if you want to boost connection speed, prevent wireless interference, or if you're having Ethernet ports placed in your home's walls.
4. WAP -  wireless access point (WAP) becomes the primary source of the distribution of the wireless network and is “hard wired” to the router, Not to be confused with a “wireless extender”. An access point helps to increase the Wi-Fi coverage and the range of the WI-FI. A WAP can also provide important information on the devices connected to the network, as well as more proactive security.
5. ISP - Internet service provider (ISP) refers to the company that provides internet access, like your Internet/cable service. This is the firm that you pay to provide broadband bandwidth to your house, which is measured in download and upload speeds. Inadequate internet speed will cause problems with your home network and make it difficult to use all of your devices.
6. Modem - A modem receives the signal from your internet service provider that allows you to connect to the Internet in the first place. While fiber is  available and is limited on the availability  cable is the most common and widely used modem. This is because, in addition to the flexibility of using equipment purchased from either an ISP or a merchant, cable modems enable a wider selection of bandwidth channels, which can deliver faster and more consistent performance.
7. Router - A router divides the bandwidth of your modem between all of your household devices, either over a wired or wireless connection. For a household, routers deliver a single Wi-Fi signal and a limited number of Ethernet ports. Depending on the type of network connection, you can increase your router's bandwidth and thus enable it to support more devices at once by strategically placing wireless access points (WAPs) or switches.

Need help ensuring that your home network is safe and secure from all threats? Just give us a call we’re experts in security and that includes your network security and we’re happy to help!