Wireless networks, or Wi-Fis, are a necessity in homes and offices these days. Besides computers being able to print wirelessly without a bunch of cables running to each device, mobile devices often rely on having a wireless connection to go online.
Our Cybersecurity Team at Connect2Geek has performed thousands of virus removals over the years due to unsecure networks. We’d rather prepare our clients proactively from avoiding a virus or malware intrusion in the first place.
But, how secure is your network? Do you give out the office password to visiting guests? Is your home Wi-Fi discoverable by all the neighbors?
An insecure network can leave you vulnerable for people to use it without your permission and open to virus or malware attacks, requiring virus removal.
Mobile malware variants are up 54%
The rise of mobile device use has increased the cyber threats to mobile devices, which often attach automatically to your network once a password is put in the first time. According to Symantec, they blocked an average of 24,000 malicious mobile applications every day in 2017 and saw a 54% increase in mobile variants that year.
Both home and business networks are vulnerable to the same types of attacks and intrusions, and cyber criminals aren’t picky when it comes to stealing credit card and bank information or planting a ransomware or spyware virus.
But there are steps you can take to help keep your network secure and protected against cyberattacks. Connect2Geek works with residential and business clients in Nampa and the Treasure Valley area and we’ve helped many beef up their network security.
We’ve put together our 10 top tips that both homes and businesses can use to keep their Wi-Fi secure and protected from the bad guys.
What’s the Best Way to Secure Your Network? Here’s 10 Tips!
Here’s 10 tips for staying safe and keeping both your home and business network protected.
- Change Router Default Settings
Don’t leave the router name or administrative login at the default. Make them unique to improve security. Just login to your router to update the name, IP address, and login credentials.
- Use a Firewall and Antivirus Software
If a hacker is able to access your wireless network, if the computers and devices connected to it have a firewall and antivirus software installed (and regularly updated), it’s like putting up a brick wall to stop them.
- Use the “Guest” Wi-Fi Feature
Allowing a guest or client to use your wireless network might not seem like such a big deal, but every time you give out that password makes you vulnerable. Instead, use the “Guest” feature that most wireless routers offer to restrict access. Make sure your employees and family aren’t connecting and sharing on the Guest login.
- Enable Wireless Network Security
Make sure your router has the wireless network security enabled, which encrypts data shared over the network.
- Use a Strong Password
Don’t pick a password because it’s easy to remember. Use strong passwords with at least 7-10 characters and that include numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Turn Off Discoverable Network Storage Devices
If a hacker can see that your network is attached to a storage device, that’s like finding a treasure chest of data. Turn off the setting that makes that storage device discoverable.
- Disable Remote Access
You can control where your wireless router is accessed from for administrative login. Disable remote access and set the specific IP address locations that are authorized to access the settings.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
This next tip may be more comfortable for business users, but if you run a home business, you’ll also want to consider it. A VPN client acts as another layer of security and encryption for data to and from your network.
- Turn Off Network Name Broadcasting
While it may be cool to have your router named “Bill Wi the Science Fi” so the neighbors can see how awesome you are, but it’s more secure to hide your network name from those you don’t know. If they don’t offer a free guest network for customers, companies should consider this too.
- Keep Router Software Updated
New security vulnerabilities are being discovered all the time, and just like software and operating systems get security updates, so do routers. Make sure yours is updated regularly.
Call in the Experts for a Super Secure Network!
Whether you’re in Nampa, Boise, or anywhere else in the Treasure Valley area, Connect2Geek can come in and get your network settings to “Super Secure” in no time! We work with both business and residential clients. Give us a call today at 208-468-4323.