Home network security is the protection of your home Wi-Fi-enabled network and the devices connected to it. These could be routers, computers, smartphones, and Wi-Fi-enabled baby monitors and cameras, within your home.

But many home users feel that because they aren’t a business or only have a few connected devices, they don’t need to worry about cyberattacks.

Unfortunately, big or small, home or business, if a device connects to the internet, it is at risk of attack. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices (think of smart security cameras) have all increased the burden on the security we use over our network. 

A determined attacker can leech off your Internet connection, install malware on your devices, steal your data, or hijack your Wi-Fi router and use it to conduct a cyberattack on a company or government organization.

Nowadays, one option to solve network security problems is to improve visibility and manageability by using a mesh network rather than a standard router.

What is a Mesh Network?

Unlike traditional routers are singular, centralised access points, a mesh network creates a single network using multiple devices. A traditional router acts as a central hub for Internet connectivity. Traffic requests from devices go through a router as a single access point. A mesh network is particularly useful in solving the problems of dead spots in homes. It gives homes the ability to have multiple access points (nodes), and these access points can cooperate to expand Wi-Fi coverage. This leads to seamless roaming so as you move around your home, your device will automatically connect to the strongest signal without you having to do a thing.

Traditional routers usually need a range extender to repeat the signal so a Wi-Fi connection can reach even further. However, even the best Wi-Fi extenders require you to create a separate network (with a separate name) for the range extender. This means you usually must manually switch Wi-Fi connections as you move through the house.

What are 5 Steps to Secure my Home Network?

1. Upgrade to a mesh network and keep it up-to-date

Set your mesh to auto-update as new firmware versions usually include new security fixes.

2. Change your default router login credentials, SSID, and create a strong network password 

It’s safer to have different passwords for your wireless network and admin password. Please don’t leave them to their default settings.

3. Turn on any firewall and encryption capabilities 

Firewalls filter data in network traffic to protect the network from a wide variety of malicious attacks and malware. Encryption is the process of converting sensitive information into a secure code that cannot be read without the decryption key. If your network comes with firewall and encryption capabilities, please do not turn them off.

4. Implement WPA3 or WPA2 on the wireless network

WPA2 is an encrypted security protocol that protects internet traffic on wireless networks. it addresses flaws of earlier protocols and offers more powerful encryption. WPA3 will be the dominant standard for wireless security moving forward and it’s more secure than WPA2, bringing enhanced security and protection.

5. Implement guest network segmentation 

A guest network gives visitors access to your Internet connection and nothing else. They can’t see any of your devices on the network and they don’t have the ability to access them. Most importantly, they can’t accidentally introduce malware or compromise your devices or data in any other way. So segmenting your network enhances your overall security policy. By limiting users’ access privileges, you are safeguarding the network and devices against cyberattacks and improving network performance by reducing user density.

Setting up a mesh network is relatively simple because to the availability of mobile apps from most providers. The program takes care of everything from network configuration to network management. This means you can easily configure your network to update its firmware settings automatically, ensuring you always have the most recent security information.

Traditional routers can do many of the same functions, but you must often connect to the local network using a desktop browser to configure them. If you have more than one, you’ll have to manage them independently, which adds to the difficulty of keeping them up to date and ensuring they perform flawlessly in your configuration following updates.

Read Also: Benefits of Using a Mesh Wi-fi System With a Built-in Smart Speaker

Many mesh router apps allow users to rapidly check their speeds, disable Wi-Fi access to specific networks, set up guest networks, evaluate the quality of various connection points, and even connect to smart home devices. Another thing you can do with the app is check the devices that are currently linked to my mesh network. Depending on the app, it may be under “Connected Devices” or “Devices”. Simply click the option, and a list of linked devices will appear, allowing you to disable network connection or restrict the device’s internet access time (ideal for parents).

How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

Wi-Fi security refers to safeguarding your networks and devices from unwanted access, data breaches, and other security threats. Using various approaches and best practices, you may protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data carried across wireless networks.

Unlike wired networks, which are physically connected and less vulnerable to external attacks, Wi-Fi security is based on radio waves for data transmission. As a result, bad actors may access wireless networks from afar, making it more difficult to safeguard them against illegal access and eavesdropping.

Wi-Fi security should be an important part of your cybersecurity routine because it helps safeguard your personal information, maintain your privacy, and protect your network devices from threats. Here are the main reasons why you should take special care of your Wi-Fi security:

• Privacy protection. Because a Wi-Fi network transmits data wirelessly, it is more vulnerable to cyber threats than a wired broadband internet connection. If you don’t take extra security measures, your personal data and network safety can be compromised by malicious individuals seeking your passwords, sensitive information, financial details, or business information.
• Data confidentiality. Advanced encryption protocols like WPA2 and WPA3 encrypt your data transmitted over the network, making it inaccessible to unauthorized users.
• Protection against cyberattacks. Unsecured Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities are prime targets for hackers. This may let them intercept other devices on the network or launch cyberattacks, like man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, or injecting malware. Extra security measures may help you ensure that you will not become a victim.
• Liability concerns. If an unauthorized person who has intercepted your Wi-Fi network uses it for illegal activity, such as downloading copyrighted content or engaging in cybercrime, you could be held legally responsible. A secure network will prevent such risks.

An infected device linked to your home router could easily spread malware to other connected devices, jeopardizing the security of everyone concerned. An infected router is just as hazardous. That is why you should always practice excellent device security, even if you believe you have the most secure router.

Here are some ideas for protecting your home network:

• Change the default router login credentials. Customize your Wi-Fi network login credentials to prevent unauthorized access.
• Set a strong Wi-Fi password. Set a strong Wi-Fi password. Always use unique and complex passwords for your Wi-Fi network. Use special characters, lowercase and uppercase letters, and numbers for maximum security. Never use easily guessable passwords. Change your Wi-Fi password if your current one doesn’t meet this criteria.
• Change the network name (SSID). Never let hackers find information about you just from your Wi-Fi network name. Change the default access name and avoid using personal information.
• Update router firmware. Always update your router to integrate the latest security patches and protection against the newest cyber threats.
• Enable network encryption. Use robust and reliable encryption protocols, such as WPA2 or WPA3. Encryption ciphers your data transmitted over the network, making it more difficult for attackers to access and exploit it.
• Disable remote management. Never leave your router out in the open, and prevent bad actors from accessing from outside your home network.
• Enable network firewalls. A firewall works as an intermediary between your computer and external networks. It filters incoming and outgoing traffic and prevents unauthorized access and suspicious connections.
• Use MAC address filtering. This feature lets you control who can access your Wi-Fi network based on their unique MAC address.
• Create a guest network. Creating a separate guest network for visitors or devices that doesn’t require access to the main network is a good practice to help prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing private data.
• Disable SSID broadcasting. Make your Wi-Fi network invisible by disabling its SSID. This will add an extra layer of security to your network.
• Disable UPnP. Even though it is a convenient feature, it’s best to restrict access to your network with no manual configuration.
• Update your devices and software. Strengthen your network security by regularly updating your device software and firmware. The latest versions usually contain security patches, bug fixes, and increased security against cyber threats.
• Use a VPN. A VPN service should be the cornerstone of your cybersecurity routine. It encrypts your online traffic, adding an extra layer of security when accessing the internet. It is a must-have if you often use public Wi-Fi networks.

By following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack on your network devices and enhance your data privacy and overall internet security.

Home Wi-Fi Security Threats

The main security threats to your home Wi-Fi include:

• Unauthorized access. Weak Wi-Fi passwords can be cracked by hackers using specialized tools to gain access to your Wi-Fi network without authorization, opening the door to cyberattacks on network devices. Hackers are always on the lookout for poorly protected networks, using methods like wardriving to find potential targets.
• Eavesdropping. Bad actors can track your online activity and obtain your login credentials, personal information, or bank account information by intercepting your Wi-Fi network traffic. Hackers frequently employ methods like packet sniffing or other malicious equipment made for listening in on their targets.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks. In this kind of cyberattack, a hacker eavesdrops on network traffic between devices, potentially resulting in data theft, destruction, or alteration.
• Evil twin attack. Hackers create fake Wi-Fi access points that imitate legitimate networks and trick users into connecting. This way, attackers intercept network traffic and initiate cyberattacks on the network devices.
• Malware and viruses. Cybercriminals often use Wi-Fi networks as a gateway for malware and viruses. Once a device on a network is infected, it can spread to other devices and jeopardize other devices on a network.
• IoT device vulnerabilities. Home devices like smart TVs, thermostats, and CCTV cameras are connected to one network. If any of these devices gets compromised, the malware may spread to other devices and provide access to your sensitive data for unauthorized individuals.
• WPS vulnerabilities. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) simplifies Wi-Fi connections. However, bad actors may attempt to exploit WPS vulnerabilities, and if they’re lucky, your network and its devices are under threat.
• Weak encryption. Using outdated encryption protocols, such as WEP, creates the perfect opportunity for hackers to decrypt network traffic and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
• Physical attacks. If a hacker manages to access your router physically, they may reset or configure it to gain control over the network and compromise its security.
• Social engineering. Attackers often use social engineering techniques to trick users into giving out personal information through phishing emails or phone calls.
• DoS attacks. Attackers may flood the Wi-Fi network with requests, causing it to be unavailable and disrupting network activity.

Wireless mesh networks are made up of nodes that may connect without the need for a central router or access point. They can offer adaptable and expandable coverage, particularly in regions where wired infrastructure is neither available or viable. However, they provide certain configuration and security problems, as each node must function as both a client and a relay for other nodes.