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With so much security breach occurring in the last few years by hackers stealing government and consumer information, it only makes sense for this post to discuss the importance of WiFi security.
Cyber attacks are REAL! and it’s easier than ever to create sophisticated ways to spread malware or ransomware or even steal data from you.
We do more and more of our shopping online and as criminals realize the value of the data in cyberspace, more people are getting their information stolen at alarming rates.
In the meanwhile, people are aware of the heightened security risks than ever before and are taking measures to secure their data.
Yes, many of the breaches have happened to big named companies and governments such as Equifax, A Yahoo bombshell and voting records have been exposed as Hackers have targeted school districts but with the increase of internet of things we need to have more concern about our own devices we use in our home.
Mark Nunnikhoven, Vice President, Cloud Research at Trend Micro predicts attacks on the Internet of Things will keep hitting industries including airlines, manufacturing, and cars as they rely more on so-called smart technology.
“They face the same cybersecurity challenges that our laptops and phones do, but they’re attached to real things in the real world,” he said. “If someone hacks my laptop, my data is at risk. But if someone hacks a robotic manufacturing arm, that entire manufacturing line is at risk.”
Sometimes as consumers we get so caught up in the latest gadgets we forget that we need to also install or set-up proper security for our wifi network.
You might have heard this about a wireless router in your house is that once it’s set it, you forget it exists. As long you get the connection you need for all your devices, that’s all that matters.
In all reality, this is actually true I rarely think about security and only look for the number of bars lighting up to show me the strength of the signal.
So now we know, this is an issue what should you do? Here are a couple of ways to keep your home safe from the bad guys online.
To completely protect our wireless local area network, we needed to implement both encryption and authentication security procedures:
Encryption scrambles your data so that it is very difficult for someone to read unless they have the proper code known as a “key”.
Therefore, although a hacker can detect the signals on your network, your data will look like random garbage to him. As a result, he or she will not easily be able to see your passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, or any other personal information.
Authentication is a procedure that ensures a user is who he says he is, based on pre-defined credentials. Such credentials might include passwords, digital certificates,
It’s a good idea for you to regularly check the manufacturer’s support website manually for firmware updates for your router models. Some routers do automatic checkups and updates.
2. Turn on HTTPS access to the router interface, if available, and always log out when done.
Use the browser incognito or in-private mode when working with the router so that no session cookies are left behind and never allow the browser to save the router’s username and password.
3. Change the router’s LAN IP address if possible.
Most of the time, routers will be assigned the first address in a predefined netblock. If offered the option, change this to 192.168.0.99 or something else that’s easy to remember and is not part of the DHCP pool.
The entire netblock used by the router can also be changed to one of those reserved for private networks. Doing this will protect against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks that try to access routers through users’ browsers by using the default IP addresses commonly assigned to such devices.
4. Even inside the LAN, it’s good to restrict which IP (Internet Protocol)
If this option is available, it’s best to allow access from a single IP address that is not part of the pool of IP addresses assigned to computers via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
For example, configure the router’s DHCP server to assign IP addresses from 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.50 and then configure the web interface to only allow access from 192.168.0.53. The computer should be manually configured to use this address only when you need to connect to the router.
5. Change the default admin password
Many routers come with default administrator passwords and attackers constantly try to break into devices using these publicly known credentials.
After you connect to the router’s management interface for the first time through your browser the address should be the router’s default IP address found on its bottom sticker or found in the set-up guide make sure the first thing you do is change the password.
6. Avoid using routers supplied by ISPs
These routers are typically less secure than those sold by manufacturers to consumers. They often have hard-coded remote support credentials that users can’t change and patches for their customized firmware versions lag behind patches for the same flaws released by router manufacturers.
If you are looking for a great router, the Nighthawk R6700-100NASNetgearAC 1750. It’s a fantastic router, hands down.
I would recommend this router for speed, eliminate dead zones, and handle multiple devices such as video streaming and playing video games in your household.
I hope this blog, The Importance of WiFi Security: as I am here to educate and provide perspective on what’s going on in the tech world that relates to my everyday life in home automation.
What do you think about The Importance of WiFi Security?
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Please e-mail me (rodney@automateyourcrib.com) your opinion, comment or if you have any ideas for a future post you would like to read, drop me a line or two as I appreciate my audience. Thank you again for reading this post.
It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
WiFi Security: 6 Ways to Secure Your Router
