There are a lot of wireless network security tips going around the internet, and if you’re not careful, you could be using the most useless one. This article will show you some of the most common useless WiFi security tips used by many people.
1. MAC Address Filters
Most modern-day wireless routers come with MAC address whitelist and blacklist feature. Whereby the MAC Address Whitelist is a list of devices allowed to connect to the wireless network based on their MAC (Media Access Control) address. On the other hand MAC Address blacklist is a list of devices banned from connecting to the network.
Turn out this feature is not such a great security measure since someone can easily spoof a MAC address. Provided they know the MAC addresses on the whitelist, they can spoof their way into your Wi-Fi network.
That is to say, it is a complete waste of time trying to set up this feature. Not to mention it can be quite a time-staking headache managing the list. Given modern devices randomly generate MAC addresses as their own security feature. For instance, you whitelist a smartphone’s MAC addresses, and with time, the phone will generate a new MAC address for itself. Thus preventing the phone from connecting to the Wi-Fi network since its MAC address has changed.
2. Giving each Device a Static IP Address
Most people do not have reasons to set up a static IP address for devices on their network. This only applies to a handful of people, like those self-hosting their websites or running backup home servers.
Otherwise, you setting up a static IP address for each device in your home network is like trying to drain the ocean using a cup. It is just an unnecessary hustle and a waste of time.
3. Very Complex Wi-Fi Password
While it might sound cool to set up a Wi-Fi password like ‘heu&57HKA@859J88hf>.’ Just wait until you’re in front of your smartTV and need to use the remote control to key in such a password.
That is not to say you should set up an easy password like using your name, birthday, or some of the typical weak passwords.
4. Hiding your Wi-Fi SSID
There was a time when hiding the Wi-Fi SSID used to be cool. It looked like you placed an invisibility cloak over your network, and now it was running in stealth mode. Yea, that’s another waste of time.
In the Right-Hands, all the Above are Useless
All the above mentioned Wi-Fi security tips are at best just speed bumps to would-be hackers. They may slow them down, but it will not stop them from infiltrating your Wi-Fi network and carrying out their bad deeds.
The Best Wi-Fi Security Tips to Employ
1. Disable WPS and UPnP Features
When setting up a Wi-Fi network, the first security measure to take should be disabling the WPS and UPnP features. These two features enable new devices to connect to your Wi-Fi network by simply pushing a button on the router, and it (the router) lets any new device connect without requiring you to enter a password.
Related: What does the WPS button on my Wi-Fi router do?
2. Use WPA2-AES Wi-Fi Security Standards
Wi-Fi routers come with various security standards, including WEP, WPA, WPA2-TKIP and WPA2-AES. The latter is the most recent and most secure Wi-Fi security standard you should employ. The earlier versions can be easily cracked with a skilled hacker.
3. Create a Guest Network
Today’s routers come fitted with the ability to create multiple Wi-Fi network each running independently from the other. For security purposes, it is advised you create one Wi-Fi network for just your home devices, which you will not share with any visitor to your house or office.
For the visitors, you can create a separate Guest Network, which, when they connect to, they will not get access to your home or office devices. Since they’re operating in different Wi-Fi networks.
4. Periodically change your SSID and Password
A cybersecurity rule of thumb is to always change your passwords after every given set period. The same applies to your Wi-Fi network passwords. You could do this like after every year or bi-annually.
As you make those new year’s resolutions, also be sure to change passwords for your online accounts. That should also include your Wi-Fi router SSID and password. This act will automatically kick out any device that could be piggybacking on your network over the months.
5. Update the Router’s Firmware
Most people don’t tinker much with their router after the initial installation. They just leave it in its place year in, year out. Not forgetting the router’s manufacturer issues firmware upgrades every few years or so.
Conclusion
Setting up a complex Wi-Fi password in and of itself does not simply cut it. You need to use the WPA2-AES Wi-Fi Security Standard to set up the password. Your Wi-Fi network security is critical since the devices connected to the network, such as your laptop and smartphone, have a lot of crucial personal information.
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