EXPERTS have revealed five major mistakes that can put your information at risk to Wi-Fi hackers.
Wi-Fi is a convenient way to connect to the internet, but it can also be a security risk.
If it’s not properly configured, hackers and cybercriminals can steal your information and even your money.
Below are some of the biggest Wi-Fi security mistakes that people make.
NOT USING ENCRYPTION
The first step you want to take toward a safer connection is to make sure that your Wi-Fi network is encrypted.
Encryption jumbles up the information sent through your network, in turn making it harder for hackers to see what you’re doing.
As such, not using any encryption on your Wi-Fi network can make it an easy target for hackers.
“At a bare minimum, you should use the Personal (PSK) mode of WPA or WPA2 security — preferably WPA2,” experts from Wi-Fi Planet said.
“It will encrypt your traffic and prevent unauthorized access,” they added.
USING NO PASSWORD
It might feel easier to have no password on your home router but this leaves you vulnerable to strangers.
Neighbors or passersby could jump on the network for free and drain your Wi-Fi speed.
Cybercriminals could also easily attack your password-less router.
It’s advisable to choose a tricky Wi-Fi password and change it fairly often.
NOT UPDATING ROUTER FIRMWARE
It’s important to update your router regularly so it runs smoothly and also has the latest security software uploaded.
Generally, you need to find out your router’s IP address and type that into a web browser to access an admin page.
Use your router’s username and password to log in and access the settings.
Check if there are any software updates available and select to download them when possible.
Having the latest software and security can improve your speed and keep you safe from hackers.
NOT USING FIREWALL
Not having a firewall installed can work against you if you’re an avid Wi-Fi user.
That’s because a firewall can help to protect your Wi-Fi network from unauthorized access.
Most of the time your devices will have a default firewall you can access, just make sure to enable it.
NOT MONITORING DEVICE ACCESS
If you never check which devices use your Wi-Fi, you might never know that strangers or bad actors are using it.
And even if you’ve checked for strangers, there may still be too many devices connected.
In turn, this can cause the network to slow down.
