Whether you’re an IT professional or a home user, here are five simple tips for securing your wireless network. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is the more common standard and is more hacker-resistant. However, there is also WPA3, which takes WPA2 to the next level but is not as widespread. WPA3 is also backward compatible with WPA2. Depending on how old your wireless router is, you may need to upgrade its firmware to add WPA2 or WPA3 support. If you can’t upgrade the router firmware to add support for WPA2 or WPA3, invest in a new wireless router that supports at a minimum WPA2, and preferably WPA3 encryption. Also, don’t publicize your SSID. All Wi-Fi routers let users protect their device’s SSID via a stealth mode, so it’s harder for hackers to find a network. Change the password to something long and complex, with at least 12 characters (16 preferred) and a mix of symbols, numbers, and upper-case and lower-case letters. When you disable Admin via Wireless, changes can be made to your router only by someone who is connected to it with an Ethernet cable, so outsiders can’t turn off wireless encryption or your firewall. Consult your router’s manual for instructions on disabling Admin via Wireless, or visit the manufacturer’s website.
