WiFi networks are everywhere and make our lives easier with instant connections. With most homes possessing a WiFi network, it paves the way for unauthorized users to gain quick access and make changes to the password.
In this article, let’s look at the vitality of WiFi passwords, the storage approach, and 7 possible ways to protect WiFi passwords.
Why is it important to secure a WiFi password?
Securing your wifi password should always be a priority when creating a network at home or in a business. Not only does it protect confidential information stored on your devices, but it also keeps intruders from clogging up your bandwidth or potentially harming the devices attached to your connection.
An insecure or easily guessed password also puts other networks nearby at risk, as an intruder could jump onto yours to gain access to them as well. Beyond that, it even allows cautious users to verify they’re connecting to the right WiFi network before they enter their personal information online.
Securing your wifi password is essential for keeping online activities safe and secure, so make sure you have one that’s complex and hard to guess!
How WiFi passwords are stored
The storage of WiFi passwords relies on two concepts – encryption and authentication. Encryption is used to effectively store the WiFi password so that only authorized persons have access to it. Authentication is then used to make sure that the person requesting access has permission to use the network.
Encryption helps protect your data from being seen by anyone other than those who are authenticated, and authentication makes sure that only members of the WiFi access group are permitted to use it.
Whether you’re setting up a simple guest network for visitors to use or providing employees with secure internet access, these two technologies work together so that only those who need access can gain it.
7 ways to protect WiFi passwords
1. Keep your WiFi password confidential
The first step to protecting your WiFi password is to keep it confidential. Only give it out to people who you trust and who need to use it.
If you have a guest in your home or office, you can give them a temporary password that expires after a certain amount of time.
2. Use strong passwords
When creating a password for your WiFi network, use strong passwords that are difficult to guess.
Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your street address. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also a good idea to change your passwords regularly.
Tip: Change WiFi passwords each month.
A big NO to the default password! Change it immediately.
3. Use encryption
Another way to protect your WiFi password is to use encryption. Encryption scrambles the data that is sent over the network so that it can only be decoded by authorized users.
There are two main types of encryption: WEP and WPA/WPA2. WEP is an older type of encryption that is not as secure as WPA/WPA2. However, it is still better than no encryption at all.
4. Use a firewall
A firewall is a piece of software that helps to protect your network from unauthorized access.
Firewalls can be used to block incoming connections from specific IP addresses or networks. They can also be used to restrict outgoing traffic from your network.
This is a great way to avoid the entry of unauthorized devices. On the other hand, if you have a device like a Kindle, it doesn’t get exposed or hacked due to a safe network. Some devices are equipped with an internal firewall to protect from hackers and eventually become expensive.
5. Update your router’s firmware
One way to keep your router secure is to update its firmware regularly. Firmware is the software that controls the router’s hardware and features.
Router manufacturers release new versions of firmware periodically to fix bugs and add new features. You can usually update your router’s firmware by logging into its web-based control panel and downloading the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
6. Disable remote administration
If your router has a feature called “remote administration,” make sure it is disabled. This feature allows someone outside of your network to access the router’s control panel remotely.
If you reach an airport, you can see several Wifi connections with open access. For instance, you can use devices like Kindle on an airplane mainly because of the availability of open-access networks.
Unfortunately, it needs to be protected with a strong password that can be shared with users. Further, a remote authentication system is vital. This can be useful if you need to troubleshoot problems with your network and also reduces potential security risks.
7. Keep an eye on activity on your network
One final way to protect your WiFi password is to keep an eye on activity on your network.
If you see any suspicious activity, such as strange IP addresses connecting to your router or unusual traffic patterns, investigate further and take steps to secure your network if necessary.
Tips for creating a strong WiFi password
Strong passwords need to be long, complex, and random to protect against potential breaches. Make sure you use at least eight characters and opt for both upper-case letters, lower-case letters, special characters, and numbers when possible. Avoid common words or phrases that can easily be guessed, like the name of your family pet!
To make remembering easier, try using passphrases instead of passwords like “PingNewThing” or create a sentence that just makes sense to you.
Changing up passwords every few months is also a great way to keep login credentials extra secure – because even if you have the best password in the world if it’s been around for too long, it might not be enough.
See Also: 200+ WiFi Names: Best, Funny, Cool, Cute, Clever, Creative
How to share your WiFi with Guests?
If you have guests arriving at your place, it is essential to follow a few measures for sharing a WiFi Password.
- First, ensure you know the username and password needed to access your network.
- Then set up a separate network for guests, so they don’t have access to all of the shared files on your main connection.
- Finally, provide the username and password in an easily accessible way – either speaking them clearly or writing them down somewhere that is noticeable but not too obvious!
There is no reason to postpone the event of safeguarding WiFi passwords. When you use devices at home, you need a safe network, and the first step begins with addressing the security of WiFi passwords.