Wi-Fi security recommendations: How to secure your home Wi-Fi network

What is Wi-Fi security?

Wi-Fi security refers to protecting your networks and devices from security risks like unauthorized access and data breaches. By using proven techniques and following the best practices, you can ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over wireless networks.

Unlike wired networks that are physically connected (and thus less exposed to external threats), Wi-Fi security relies on radio waves for data transmission. Therefore, bad actors may access wireless networks from a distance, making it more challenging to protect them from unauthorized access.

Why is Wi-Fi security important?

Wi-Fi security is an important part of your cybersecurity routine because it helps safeguard your personal information, maintain your privacy, and protect your network devices from threats. Here are the main reasons why you should pay special attention to your Wi-Fi security:

• Privacy protection. Because a Wi-Fi network transmits data wirelessly, it is more vulnerable to cyber threats than a wired broadband internet connection. Without extra security measures, your network may be compromised by malicious individuals seeking your passwords, sensitive information, financial details, or business information.
• Data confidentiality. Advanced encryption protocols like WPA2 and WPA3 encrypt data transmitted over the network, making your online traffic inaccessible to unauthorized users.
• Protection against cyberattacks. Unsecured Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities are prime targets for hackers. Criminals may infiltrate other devices on the network or launch cyberattacks, like man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, or malware injections. Extra security measures help ensure that you will not become a victim.
• Liability concerns. If an unauthorized person who has infiltrated your Wi-Fi network uses it for an illegal activity, such as downloading copyrighted content or engaging in cybercrime, you could be held legally responsible. A secure network minimizes such risks.

Home Wi-Fi security threats

The main security threats to your home Wi-Fi include:

• Unauthorized access. Weak Wi-Fi passwords can be cracked by hackers using specialized tools to gain access to your Wi-Fi network without authorization, opening the door to cyberattacks on network devices. Hackers are always on the lookout for poorly protected networks, using methods like wardriving to find potential targets.
• Eavesdropping. Bad actors can monitor your online traffic and obtain your login credentials, personal information, or bank account information by intercepting your Wi-Fi network traffic. Hackers frequently employ methods like packet sniffing or other malicious equipment made for listening in on their targets.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks. In this kind of cyberattack, a hacker intercepts and modifies network traffic between devices, potentially resulting in data theft, destruction, or alteration.
• Evil twin attack. Hackers create fake Wi-Fi access points that imitate legitimate networks to trick users into connecting. Attackers then intercept network traffic from the connected devices and initiate cyberattacks against them.
• Malware and viruses. Cybercriminals often use Wi-Fi networks as a gateway for malware and viruses. Once a device on a network is infected, it can spread to other devices and jeopardize other devices on a network.
• IoT device vulnerabilities. Home devices like smart TVs, thermostats, and CCTV cameras are often connected to the same network. If any of these devices gets compromised, the malware may spread to other devices and provide access to your sensitive data for unauthorized individuals.
• WPS vulnerabilities. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) simplifies Wi-Fi connections. However, bad actors may attempt to exploit WPS vulnerabilities — and if they’re lucky, your network and its devices are at risk.
• Weak encryption. Using outdated encryption protocols such as WEP creates a perfect opportunity for hackers to decrypt network traffic and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Physical attacks. If a hacker manages to access your router physically, they may reset or configure it to gain control over the network and compromise its security.
• Social engineering. Attackers often use social engineering techniques (like phishing emails or fake phone calls) to trick users into giving out sensitive information, including their Wi-Fi credentials.
• DoS attacks. Attackers may flood the Wi-Fi network with requests, causing it to be unavailable and disrupting network activity.

How to protect your home Wi-Fi network

A single infected device connected to your home router could easily spread malware to other devices on the network, compromising the security of everyone involved. An infected router is just as harmful. 

If you are looking to upgrade your router security, we do have some networking device recommendations optimized for NordVPN. In particular, the Privacy Hero 2 is the only router that comes with our NordLynx protocol pre-installed, letting all devices on your network benefit from its ultra-fast and secure VPN connection.

You should always practice good safety on each device, even if you believe you have the most secure router. Here are some tips on how to protect your home network:

• Change the default router login credentials. If hackers discover what model of router you use, the first thing they will do is try to access it using the manufacturer’s default credentials. To prevent attackers from wreaking havoc on your network from the inside, change your router credentials to something unique.
• Set a strong Wi-Fi password. Always use unique and complex passwords for your Wi-Fi network. Use special characters, lowercase and uppercase letters, and numbers for maximum security. Never use easily guessable passwords. Change your Wi-Fi password if your current one doesn’t meet this criteria.
• Change the network name (SSID). Never let hackers find information about you just from your Wi-Fi network name. Change the default access name and avoid using personal information.
• Update router firmware. Always update your router to integrate the latest security patches and protection against the newest cyber threats.
• Enable network encryption. Use robust and reliable encryption protocols, such as WPA2 or WPA3. Encryption scrambles the data transmitted over the network, making it more difficult for attackers to access and exploit it.
• Disable remote management. Never leave your router out in the open to prevent bad actors from accessing from outside your home network.
• Enable network firewalls. A firewall works as an intermediary between your computer and external networks. Use a firewall to filter incoming and outgoing traffic, prevent unauthorized access, and stop suspicious connections.
• Use MAC address filtering. This feature lets you control who can access your Wi-Fi network based on their unique MAC address.
• Monitor internet access. Regularly track which devices are connected to your network and monitor them for any suspicious activity. This can help you detect potential intrusions early and prevent unauthorized access.
• Create a guest network. Creating a separate guest network for visitors or devices that doesn’t require access to the main network helps prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing private data.
• Disable SSID broadcasting. Make your Wi-Fi network invisible by disabling its SSID. This will add an extra layer of security to your network.
• Disable UPnP. Even though it is a convenient feature, it’s best to restrict access to your network with no manual configuration.
• Update your devices and software. Strengthen your network security by regularly updating device software and firmware. The latest versions usually contain security patches, bug fixes, and increased security against cyber threats.
• Use a VPN. A VPN service should be the cornerstone of your cybersecurity routine. It encrypts your online traffic, adding an extra layer of security when accessing the internet. It is a must-have if you often use public Wi-Fi networks.

By following these recommendations, you can both enhance your data privacy and significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks on your network devices, greatly improving your overall internet security.