Latest news with #WPA3
Mint
7 days ago
- General
- Mint
Wi-Fi router buying guide: Speed, range and smart home tips
We usually spend hours comparing internet plans, but barely give a thought to the Wi-Fi router. It's high time we realise that this little box sitting in a corner actually decides how strong and stable your connection will be. A weak router can slow everything down, no matter how fast your plan is. So, if you're looking to buy a new router for your home, here's what you need to check. Consider the size of your home: Larger or multi-level houses generally require a high-range router, mesh system, or additional extenders to ensure consistent coverage. What's your internet usage: Do you consume your internet for streaming, gaming, working from home, or general browsing? This will help you determine the performance level you need. Number of devices connected to your network: Routers with better capacity and bandwidth are essential for handling multiple connections smoothly. Standard routers: These are ideal for small or medium-sized homes where internet use is basic and limited to browsing, streaming, and a few connected devices. Dual-band routers: These Wi-Fi routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This prevents network congestion and provides better speed, especially if you have multiple users at home. Tri-band routers: These come with one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands and are a great fit if you have many devices connected at once, like smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, etc. Mesh systems: These are ideal for large homes or places where the Wi-Fi signal drops in corners or across floors. They use multiple router units placed around your home to give strong, consistent coverage everywhere. Your router should be able to handle the internet speed you're paying for. If your internet plan gives you 1 Gbps speed but your router can only support 300 Mbps, then you won't get the full speed you're promised. Routers come with speed ratings like AC1200 or AX1800. The higher the number, the faster it can be, but keep in mind, the actual speed mostly depends on your internet plan and how your home is set up. You cannot compromise on your security and privacy. Therefore, your Wi-Fi router should keep your network safe from online threats. Wi-Fi routers that support WPA2 or WPA3 security are stronger and more reliable than older options like WEP. Besides, other features like firewalls, security suites (offered by internet providers) and parental controls also help keep your data safe. Today, most of us have smart devices at home, like Alexa speakers, Google Nest cameras, smart TVs, or robot vacuums. That's why it makes sense to choose a Wi-Fi router that can easily connect and work with all of them. A good router helps everything run smoothly, whether you're asking Alexa to play music, checking your video doorbell, or streaming 4K shows on your smart TV. In the past, we didn't think much about which router to get. But now, with more connected devices and higher internet use, choosing the right router for your smart home is more important than ever. Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
CNET
14-05-2025
- CNET
Protect Your Wi-Fi Network Security Like a Pro With These 10 Tips
When it comes to protecting your home, most people focus on door locks, alarm systems or cameras. But these days, just as much of your life happens online as it does inside your house. If your home Wi-Fi network isn't properly secured, you could leave yourself open to hackers, data theft and other digital threats without realizing it. If your home network is breached, it can be accessed, which means controlling connected devices, installing malicious software or spying on your sensitive data, such as credit card numbers and live camera feeds. So what do you do? Make it more secure. A secure home network will help reduce the risk of getting hacked and having someone access your sensitive information. It'll also keep away unwanted or unauthorized people and devices that would slow down your connection or freeload on your internet service. Below, you'll find 10 simple, quick steps to secure your home network. Some are more effective than others at keeping hackers and freeloaders at bay, but all are useful in their own way. It's worth noting that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hacking attempts. But these tips make it much harder for anyone to compromise your network and data. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out how to tell if your internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and our tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection.) Tips to secure your Wi-Fi network at home Here are the basics for protecting your home Wi-Fi network. Keep reading for more information on each below. Locating local internet providers Place your router in a central location. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often. Change the default router login credentials. Turn on the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption. Create a guest network. Use a VPN. Keep your router and devices up to date. Disable remote router access. Verify connected devices. Upgrade to a WPA3 router. 1. Place your router in a central location Strong network security starts with an optimized setup. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help keep your connection to the confines of your home. As a bonus, it will likely also make for the best connection quality. For example, if you have internet in an apartment where neighbors are immediately to the left and right of you, placing your router next to a shared wall could send a strong and tempting signal their way. A good router can cast signals next door or across the street, even if you aren't in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces how far those signals travel outside your home. 2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often This should go without saying, but I will still cover it to emphasize its importance: Creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid easily guessed passwords or phrases, such as someone's name, birthday, phone number or other common information. While simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they're also easier for others to guess. You can easily access your router settings to update your Wi-Fi password. Oh, and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you suspect your network security may have been compromised. The more frequently you change your password, the less compromised it will be. Chris Monroe/CNET 3. Change the default router login credentials Along the same lines of password-protecting your Wi-Fi network, you'll also want to keep anyone from being able to directly access your router settings. To do so, change your router's admin name and password. You can log in to your router settings by typing its IP address into the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you're unsure how to determine your IP address, read our guide. Your router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you aren't sure what the default is, you should be able to find it on the bottom of the router. Or, if it's been changed from the default somewhere along the way, here's how to access your router settings to update the username and password. 4. Turn on the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to keep anyone from eavesdropping on the data sent back and forth between your router and connected devices. Both are typically active by default, but you should check to ensure they're enabled in your router settings. Now that you know how to log in to your router settings, ensure the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they're off for whatever reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you. 5. Create a guest Wi-Fi network Before sharing access to your main home network, consider creating a separate guest network for visitors. I'm not suggesting your guests will attempt anything nefarious with your main Wi-Fi connection. Still, their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without them knowing it. A guest network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats and smart speakers -- devices that may not hold a lot of sensitive information and are perhaps more easily hackable than a smarter device such as a computer or phone. 6. Use a VPN Getty Images/Viva Tung/CNET There are a few reasons to use a good VPN, and network security is one of them. A virtual private network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data. VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but you can get a much more secure service if you pay a few extra bucks a month. Another perk of using a VPN is that it can be great for streaming. 7. Keep your router and devices up to date Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Stay updated on downloading those regularly. Keeping your router and connected devices current with the latest updates will help ensure you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. If possible, set your router to automatically update in the admin settings, and periodically check to make sure it is up to date. 8. Disable remote router access Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router settings. Unless you need to access your router while away from home (to check or change the configuration of a child's connected device, for example), there should be no reason to enable remote access. You can disable remote access under the router's admin settings. Unlike other security measures, disabled remote router access may not be the default. 9. Verify connected devices Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and verify that you know what they are. If anything on there looks suspicious, disconnect it and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing your password, you'll have to reconnect all your previously connected devices, but any users or devices that are not authorized to use your network will get the boot. Some devices, especially obscure IoT ones, may have odd default names of random numbers and letters you don't immediately recognize. If you encounter something like that when auditing your connected devices, disconnect them. Later on, when you can't start your robot vacuum cleaner from your phone, you'll know that's what it was. Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 8:02 Loaded : 1.23% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 8:02 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected 10. Upgrade to a WPA3 router WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router, you should have nothing to worry about. Many people rent their routers directly from the provider, which may not include the most up-to-date equipment. If your router was made before 2018, you might have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search of your device's model should tell you when it came out and any specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you've got a router with WPA2, call your provider and negotiate for a better, more recent router. What's the bottom line? Network security is not guaranteed Again, even with the most recent and effective methods of protecting your home network, security will never be 100% certain. As long as there is the internet, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better keep your network secure from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data. For more tips, check out how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and the ideal location for your router.
CNET
05-05-2025
- CNET
Is Your Wi-Fi Really Secure? 10 Ways to Keep Hackers Away
When it comes to protecting your home, most people focus on door locks, alarm systems or cameras. But these days, just as much of your life happens online as it does inside your house. If your home Wi-Fi network isn't properly secured, you could leave yourself open to hackers, data theft and other digital threats without realizing it. If your home network is breached, it can be accessed, which means controlling connected devices, installing malicious software or spying on your sensitive data, such as credit card numbers and live camera feeds. So what do you do? Make it more secure. A secure home network will help reduce the risk of getting hacked and having someone access your sensitive information. It'll also keep away unwanted or unauthorized people and devices that would slow down your connection or freeload on your internet service. Below, you'll find 10 simple, quick steps to secure your home network. Some are more effective than others at keeping hackers and freeloaders at bay, but all are useful in their own way. It's worth noting that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hacking attempts. But these tips make it much harder for anyone to compromise your network and data. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out how to tell if your internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and our tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection.) Tips to secure your Wi-Fi network at home Here are the basics for protecting your home Wi-Fi network. Keep reading for more information on each below. Locating local internet providers Place your router in a central location. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often. Change the default router login credentials. Turn on the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption. Create a guest network. Use a VPN. Keep your router and devices up to date. Disable remote router access. Verify connected devices. Upgrade to a WPA3 router. 1. Place your router in a central location Strong network security starts with an optimized setup. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help keep your connection to the confines of your home. As a bonus, it will likely also make for the best connection quality. For example, if you have internet in an apartment where neighbors are immediately to the left and right of you, placing your router next to a shared wall could send a strong and tempting signal their way. A good router can cast signals next door or across the street, even if you aren't in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces how far those signals travel outside your home. 2. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often This should go without saying, but I will still cover it to emphasize its importance: Creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid easily guessed passwords or phrases, such as someone's name, birthday, phone number or other common information. While simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they're also easier for others to guess. You can easily access your router settings to update your Wi-Fi password. Oh, and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you suspect your network security may have been compromised. The more frequently you change your password, the less compromised it will be. Chris Monroe/CNET 3. Change the default router login credentials Along the same lines of password-protecting your Wi-Fi network, you'll also want to keep anyone from being able to directly access your router settings. To do so, change your router's admin name and password. You can log in to your router settings by typing its IP address into the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you're unsure how to determine your IP address, read our guide. Your router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you aren't sure what the default is, you should be able to find it on the bottom of the router. Or, if it's been changed from the default somewhere along the way, here's how to access your router settings to update the username and password. 4. Turn on the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to keep anyone from eavesdropping on the data sent back and forth between your router and connected devices. Both are typically active by default, but you should check to ensure they're enabled in your router settings. Now that you know how to log in to your router settings, ensure the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they're off for whatever reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you. 5. Create a guest Wi-Fi network Before sharing access to your main home network, consider creating a separate guest network for visitors. I'm not suggesting your guests will attempt anything nefarious with your main Wi-Fi connection. Still, their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without them knowing it. A guest network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats and smart speakers -- devices that may not hold a lot of sensitive information and are perhaps more easily hackable than a smarter device such as a computer or phone. 6. Use a VPN Getty Images/Viva Tung/CNET There are a few reasons to use a good VPN, and network security is one of them. A virtual private network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data. VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but you can get a much more secure service if you pay a few extra bucks a month. Another perk of using a VPN is that it can be great for streaming. 7. Keep your router and devices up to date Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Stay updated on downloading those regularly. Keeping your router and connected devices current with the latest updates will help ensure you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. If possible, set your router to automatically update in the admin settings, and periodically check to make sure it is up to date. 8. Disable remote router access Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router settings. Unless you need to access your router while away from home (to check or change the configuration of a child's connected device, for example), there should be no reason to enable remote access. You can disable remote access under the router's admin settings. Unlike other security measures, disabled remote router access may not be the default. 9. Verify connected devices Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and verify that you know what they are. If anything on there looks suspicious, disconnect it and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing your password, you'll have to reconnect all your previously connected devices, but any users or devices that are not authorized to use your network will get the boot. Some devices, especially obscure IoT ones, may have odd default names of random numbers and letters you don't immediately recognize. If you encounter something like that when auditing your connected devices, disconnect them. Later on, when you can't start your robot vacuum cleaner from your phone, you'll know that's what it was. Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 8:02 Loaded : 1.23% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 8:02 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Find Free Wi-Fi Near You to Stay Connected 10. Upgrade to a WPA3 router WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router, you should have nothing to worry about. Many people rent their routers directly from the provider, which may not include the most up-to-date equipment. If your router was made before 2018, you might have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search of your device's model should tell you when it came out and any specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you've got a router with WPA2, call your provider and negotiate for a better, more recent router. What's the bottom line? Network security is not guaranteed Again, even with the most recent and effective methods of protecting your home network, security will never be 100% certain. As long as there is the internet, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better keep your network secure from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data. For more tips, check out how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and the ideal location for your router.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
What the Tech: All about a 'Travel Router'
A few months ago while looking for a vacation spot, I ran across what seemed to be a greatdeal. The price of the rental condo was several hundred dollars less than the others. Why werepeople passing on this one while all the similar units already reserved? It was in the fine print:'Does not include WiFi'.So I picked up something called a 'Travel router' and planned to use my phone's hotspot ratherthan paying an extra connected while traveling isn't always as simple as it should be. Hotels, rentalproperties, and airports may offer Wi-Fi, but it's often unreliable, slow, or insecure. That's wherea travel router can make a big difference. While you may never have considered bringing yourown router on vacation, it's a small and affordable device that can provide a safer and morestable internet connection wherever you go. What Is a Travel Router? A travel router works just like the one in your home, allowing multiple devices to connect to theinternet. The difference is that it's portable and designed to work with public or private networks, whether through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. Instead of connecting each of your devices separately to a hotel or rental Wi-Fi, you connect your travel router to the network, and then all your devices connect through it. Why Use a Travel Router? Connect Multiple Devices○ Some hotels limit the number of connected devices per room. With a travelrouter, you only need to connect it once, and then all your devices—laptops,tablets, and phones—can use the same network. More Secure Internet Access ○ Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted, making them easy targets for hackers. A travel router allows you to set up your own password-protected, encrypted network, reducing security risks. ○ Many models also support VPN integration, which hides your IP address and secures your browsing activity. Reliable Streaming and Gaming ○ If you use Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services, a travel router can help maintain a stable connection and prevent buffering. Plus, you can stay logged into your account without needing to re-enter credentials constantly. Wi-Fi for Rental Properties ○ If your Airbnb or vacation rental doesn't include Wi-Fi, you can use a travel router to create a hotspot by tethering it to your phone's data connection, allowing other devices to connect more easily. Extend Internet at Home ○ When you're not traveling, a travel router can function as a Wi-Fi range extender, helping eliminate dead zones in your home. How to Choose the Right Travel RouterLook for a model with WPA3 encryption and VPN support for security. Portability, ease of setup,and compatibility with different networks are also important. Many great options are available for under $40, making it an affordable investment in better connectivity. With all these benefits, a travel router might just become an essential part of your travel gear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Yahoo
Protect Your Wi-Fi Network Security Like a Pro With These Tips
If you're hosting a party -- March Madness, anyone? -- and expecting guests, your priority is probably ensuring enough food and drink to go around. But have you considered how many unfamiliar devices will be joining your Wi-Fi network? If those devices are infected with malware, or any of your guests unintentionally download a virus while connected to your main network, it could compromise your security. Once someone with ill intent gains access to your network, they could potentially access and control any of your connected devices, install malicious software and spy on sensitive data like credit card numbers and live camera feeds. A secure home network will help reduce the risk of getting hacked and having someone access your sensitive information. It'll also keep away unwanted or unauthorized users and devices that would slow down your connection" target="_self or freeload on the internet service you pay for. Below, you'll find 10 simple and quick steps to secure your home network. Some are more effective than others at keeping hackers and freeloaders at bay, but all are useful in their own way. It's worth noting that nothing can guarantee absolute security from hacking attempts. But these tips make it much harder for anyone to compromise your network and data. (For more Wi-Fi tips, check out how to tell if your internet provider is throttling your Wi-Fi and our tips on how to speed up your Wi-Fi connection.) Best Internet Service Providers of 2025 See at Cnet Here are the basics for protecting your home Wi-Fi network. Keep reading for more information on each below. Place your router in a central location. Create a strong Wi-Fi password and change it often. Change the default router login credentials. Turn on firewall and Wi-Fi encryption. Create a guest network. Use a VPN. Keep your router and devices up to date. Disable remote router access. Verify connected devices. Upgrade to a WPA3 router. Strong network security starts with an optimized setup. If possible, place your router near the center of your home. Routers send wireless signals in all directions, so strategically placing your router in a central location will help keep your connection to the confines of your home. As a bonus, it will likely also make for the best connection quality. For example, if you have internet in an apartment" target="_self where neighbors are immediately to the left and right of you, placing your router next to a shared wall could send a strong and tempting signal their way. A good router can cast signals next door or across the street, even if you aren't in an apartment. Placing your router in a central location reduces how far those signals travel outside your home. This should go without saying, but I will still cover it to emphasize its importance: Creating a unique password for your Wi-Fi network is essential to maintaining a secure connection. Avoid easily guessed passwords or phrases, such as someone's name, birthday, phone number or other common information. While simple Wi-Fi passwords are easier to remember, they're also easier for others to guess. You can easily access your router settings to update your Wi-Fi password. Oh and be sure to change your password every six months or so, or whenever you suspect your network security may have been compromised. The more frequently you change your password, the less compromised it will be. Along the same lines of password-protecting your Wi-Fi network, you'll also want to keep anyone from being able to directly access your router settings. To do so, change your router's admin name and password. You can log in to your router settings by typing its IP address into the URL bar, but most routers and providers have an app that lets you access the same settings and information. If you're unsure how to determine your IP address, read our guide." target="_self Your router login credentials are separate from your Wi-Fi network name and password. If you aren't sure what the default is, you should be able to find it on the bottom of the router. Or, if it's been changed from the default somewhere along the way, here's how to access your router settings to update the username and password. Most routers have a firewall to prevent outside hacking and Wi-Fi encryption to keep anyone from eavesdropping on the data sent back and forth between your router and connected devices. Both are typically active by default, but you should check to ensure they're enabled in your router settings. Now that you know how to log in to your router settings, check to make sure the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption are enabled. If they're off for whatever reason, turn them on. Your network security will thank you. Before sharing access to your main home network, consider creating a separate guest network for visitors. I'm not suggesting your guests will attempt anything nefarious with your main Wi-Fi connection, but their devices or anything they download while connected to your network could be infected with malware or viruses that target your network without them knowing it. A guest network is also ideal for your IoT devices, such as Wi-Fi cameras, smart thermostats and smart speakers -- devices that may not hold a lot of sensitive information and are perhaps more easily hackable than a smarter device such as a computer or phone. There are a few reasons to use a good VPN, and network security is one of them. A virtual private network hides your IP address and Wi-Fi activity, including browsing data. VPNs are most useful when connected to a public network, but they can still add a level of security and privacy to your home network. Some VPNs are better than others, but like anything, you often get what you pay for. Free VPN services are available, but if you pay a few extra bucks a month, you can get a much more secure service. Another perk of using a VPN is that it can be great for streaming. Software updates can be annoying, but they often include security updates. When companies become aware of potential or exposed security vulnerabilities, they release updates and patches to minimize or eliminate the risk. Stay updated on downloading those regularly. Keeping your router and connected devices current with the latest updates will help ensure you have the best protection against known malware and hacking attempts. Set your router to automatically update in the admin settings, if possible, and periodically check to make sure your router is up to date. Remote router access allows anyone not directly connected to your Wi-Fi network to access the router settings. Unless you need to access your router while away from home (to check or change the configuration of a child's connected device, for example), there should be no reason to have remote access enabled. You can disable remote access under the router's admin settings. Unlike other security measures, disabled remote router access may not be the default. Frequently inspect the devices connected to your network and verify that you know what they are. If anything on there looks suspicious, disconnect it and change your Wi-Fi password. After changing your password, you'll have to reconnect all your previously connected devices, but any users or devices that are not authorized to use your network will get the boot. Some devices, especially obscure IoT ones, may have odd default names of random numbers and letters you don't immediately recognize. If you encounter something like that when auditing your connected devices, disconnect them. Later on, when you can't start your robot vacuum cleaner from your phone, you'll know that's what it was. WPA3 is the latest security protocol for routers. All new routers should be equipped with WPA3, so if you buy a new router, there should be nothing to worry about. Many people rent their routers directly from the provider, which may not include the most up-to-date equipment. If your router was made before 2018, you might have a WPA2 device, which lacks the same security protocols as newer WPA3 devices. A quick search of your device's model should tell you when it came out and any specific features, such as whether it has WPA2 or WPA3. If you've got a router with WPA2, call your provider and negotiate for a better, more recent router. Again, even with the most recent and effective methods of protecting your home network, security will never be 100% certain. As long as there is the internet, hackers and cybercriminals will find ways to exploit it. With the tips above, you can better keep your network secure from anyone trying to use your connection or access your data. For more tips, check out how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world and the ideal location for your router.
