10 ways to secure your Wi-Fi connection

From the easiest to implement to the most advanced

1. Change the router ID and password

All Wi-Fi routers use a default username and password, these default values can be found very easily on the manufacturer’s website. These credentials are required to access the router for the first time. Once installed, it is advisable to change them for better security of your WIFI.

2. Change the network name:

The SSID or “Service Set Identifier” or “Service Identifier” is the name that your network has and that it broadcasts around it for people to identify it and find it. Changing your network name is desired, otherwise using the default SSID / network name may be risky.
3. Enable encryption:
All routers sold have the option of encryption. This is one of the most important points for locking the Wi-Fi network. To do this, you will need to access your router’s settings and look for the security options.

4. Use the Firewalls:

Routers today have a built-in Firewall that is able to protect your entire network from outside attacks. Activate it if it is not automatic.
For even more protection, we advise you to install a Firewall also on your PC. We simply recommend Windows Firewall to keep things simple, it’s a free feature available on all Windows computers and easily activated or deactivated.

5. Cut the guest network:

It is convenient to have a guest network at home, with no password or protection of any kind to make it easier for these guests to log in when they come home. However, strangers can access your network from the street. Either way you are advised to shut down the guest network, it is often not very useful and is a major flaw in your network.

6. Use a VPN:

A VPN connection (or “Virtual Private Network”) creates a data tunnel between your device and the Internet via a third-party server – this can help to hide your identity or make it look like you log in from another location, preventing the curious from knowing what you are doing on the internet.

7. Update the router software:

Always try to update the router software. In fact, as soon as a manufacturer learns that a flaw is accessible on one of its models, it usually releases a “security patch” which updates and enforces it. It is often automatic, but on some routers the updates are not and you have to do it manually to protect it from known internet attacks.

8. Cut the WPS:

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a feature that makes it easy to connect new devices to the network. By pressing a “WPS” button on the router it becomes possible for a few moments to connect a new device to the network without the need of the network password. It’s not that hard to crack and allows anyone with quick physical access to the router to connect all of their devices to it in an instant. Unless your router is locked up, this is an option on your router that leaves a big security hole in your network.

9. Lower the Wi-Fi power:

If you have a strong Wi-Fi router but your home is small, your Wi-Fi network may extend to your neighbors. This can give neighbors the opportunity to easily connect to your network. It is possible on the majority of routers available today to lower the transmit power of the router, say up to 75% to begin with.

10.Use Ethernet

Wi-Fi is very often a royal gateway for hackers. If you want to use the Internet safely at the office / at home, we recommend that you connect to Ethernet instead: The RJ45 sockets on your router and your connected devices. Via a wired connection, it is impossible for a hacker to infiltrate the network without physically connecting a cable to your home.

Source : https://le-routeur-wifi.com/12-securiser-connection-wifi/