Wi-fi Security 101 – secure your router from outsiders

Here’s a top Internet Safety tip:

Don’t put your wi-fi router in the window with the wi-fi access code visible from the outside.

Blindingly obvious perhaps, but it’s surprisingly easy to spot homes and businesses who fail this most obvious security test.

Instead, make sure you do the following:

1. Change the router admin password to something only you know (read the manuals for instructions on how to do this)
2. Make sure your router firmware is up-to-date
3. Add router-level site blocks and MAC filtering if needed
4. Change the wi-fi password to something only trusted users know
5. Keep your router out of sight so it cannot easily be tampered with
6. Check your router regularly to ensure the firmware remains up-to-date and that all settings are still secure

If that list sounds daunting, make sure you do steps 1, 4 and 5 as a minimum.

A little bit of forethought and preventative maintenance can make a big difference to the security of your internet access and the data on your home or business network.

For more Internet Safety advice, please visit Internet Safety School.