If you’re running an open Wi-Fi network, you’re opening yourself up to risk in several ways.
- You could be liable for crimes someone commits using your network: it’s your Wi-Fi network, so it’s your name that will show up when the police start looking.
- You’re exposing your PC or mobile devices to hackers:if anyone can join your network, they can find all the other devices connected to it too.
- You could be paying for other people’s use of bandwidth:if you thought your data plan was expensive, imagine what it could look like if your neighbors start streaming movies at your expense.
- You could be violating the terms of services from your Internet Service Provider: they are selling their connection to you, not your neighborhood.
Basic ways to secure your home Wi-Fi:
Most of these security measures can be done by connecting to your router’s settings.
- Change your network name: Don’t use any personally identifiable names for your home network, like your own name or business name. It just makes it easier for someone to target you specifically. Use something that’s random or private.
- Use WPA2 encryption: Your router likely has settings for various forms of encryption, but stick with WPA2, the strongest variant.
- Make sure you use a strong password:Use a long password, at least 20 characters long. That seems long, but you can write it down on a sticker and place it on the router itself.
These basic tricks should help you keep your home Wi-Fi network safe from uninvited guests…
