It is important to note that your home and even business Wi-Fi can be hacked if not properly managed. We use Wi-Fi in workplaces, homes, and even in grocery stores. It is vital since it allows us to connect with people all over the world.

Additionally, most families have transitioned to remote working and schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore home Wi-Fi is highly being used than before. Most users are now accessing sensitive company information and education materials over home Wi-Fi networks.

It is therefore imporatant to note that not all Wi-Fi networks are secure. If your Wi-Fi network is compromised, then your personal and company data being stored on your computer is at rik of being stolen by hackers.

To help prevent cyber criminals from accessing your network, we’ve outlined some common ways your home Wi-Fi can be hacked, as well as security measures you can take to keep your Internet safe.

Default Settings

The first thing you need to do when you buy your home Wi-Fi network is to change the default settings. You need to change the default name, or the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and also the IP password that comes with the new routers. Default usernames and passwords that come with the new routers are widely known and simple to crack by hackers. Make sure that you change these credentials once your internet is installed. It is always a good idea to use long and complicated strand of characters, symbols and numbers to increase password security

Unsecure Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

Well, you should be knowing that, any Internet of Things (Iot) that can be connected to a network can be hacked and accessed by hackers. This includes, smart locks, security cameras, computers, mobile phones e.t.c. ould give cyber criminals an opportunity to access your Wi-Fi and steal your information.

The below cyber security practices will help you secure you connected home devices;

Always purchase products and items that have security in mind. Before  purchasing any product (IoT), always  that ensure products can encrypt network communications, enable password protection and the softaware can be updated regularly.

Have a secondary network for connected devices. Always have a separate Wi-Fi network to keep IoT connected devices isolated from your primary network. This way, if there are vulnerabilities, then exposure will be minimal.

Install your devices professionally. Always have a trusted security vendor and a certified professional properly install and monitor all your IoT devices.

Maintain your devices regularly. Updated devices are more difficult to hack because software keeps changing, eliminating possible device vulnerabilities.

Outdated Firmware

Hackers always look to exploit network flaws, especially when it comes to firmware.

Firmware is simply the software built in a piece of hardware, like your router, that tells it how to operate. Just like passwords and connected devices, firmware must be updated regularly. When you do not updated regularly, you can expose flaws that enable hackers to take access your network.

Updating firmware depends on the type of the network router. Contacting respective manufacturer and check for firmware updates at least once in three months.

Remote Access

Most routers allow you to access their interface only from a connected device. However, some of them allow access even from remote systems.

Once you turned off the remote access, malicious actors won’t be able to access your router’s privacy settings from a device not connected to your wireless network.

To make this change, access the web interface and search for “Remote access” or “Remote Administration“.

Safe Wi-Fi Practices

To ensure that you have a secure Wi-Fi, follow the below safety practices;

• Use reliable antivirus, firewall software and anti-spyware to add a layer of protection against access by hackers.
• Use secure web browsers, and only download content from secure websites. Also ensure that all emails you open are from sources that you know and trust.
• Reach out to your wireless internet provider or router manufacturer if you are concerned about your domestic Internet network.