How to secure a wifi network connection

Most of the time, the most effective rule for any firewall goes like this. There are other important settings to tweak on the firewall. But sometimes a hacker will send a fragmented packet. This is a packet that is formed badly on purpose to confuse the router or computers into accepting bad information that they usually would deny.

By denying these, it prevents those issues in the first place:. Locking down the network with the five steps listed are a good start to good wireless network security. Sometimes a clever hacker can get into a business and plug in a small WiFi router into the Ethernet network so they can access it from outside the building.

Download NetSpot — the free version can show the different networks it detects. Get NetSpot. NetSpot Essential for WiFi security. Jump to How To Secure WiFi. Change the Default Login. Set Up A Guest Network. When selecting a good password for your wireless network, make sure it is at least 20 characters long and includes numbers, letters, and various symbols.

This setting will make it difficult for hackers to access your network. Almost all wireless routers come with an encryption feature. By default it is turned off. Make sure you turn it on immediately after your broadband provider installs the router. When using a wireless router at home, it is highly recommended that you disable network name broadcasting to the general public. This feature is often useful for businesses, libraries, hotels and restaurants that want to offer wireless Internet access to customers, but it is usually unnecessary for a private wireless network.

Always install the latest software available on the system and download the latest security patches to ensure no security hole or breach is left open to online predators. Wireless routers generally contain built-in firewalls but are sometimes shipped with the firewall turned off.

A virtual private network , or VPN, is a group of computers or networks that work together over the Internet. When you log in with your credentials your computer exchanges keys with another server.

Once both computers have verified each other as authentic, all your Internet communication is encrypted and secured from outside prying. Most of all, check what devices connect to your home network and make sure they have reliable security software like Norton Security installed against viruses and spyware.

All rights reserved. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. It usually involves a wireless router that sends a signal through the air. You can use that signal to connect to the internet.

But unless your network is password protected, any device within range can pull the signal from the air and use your internet connection. The upside of Wi-Fi? You can connect to the internet wirelessly.

The downside? Others nearby who connect to your unprotected network might be able to see what you do online, including your personal information. And if anyone uses your network to commit a crime or send illegal spam, the activity could be traced back to you.

Encrypt your network. Encrypting scrambles the information sent through your network. WPA3 is the newer — and best — encryption available, but both will work to scramble your information. Older Router?

If those are the only options listed, try updating your router software.