Month: January 2022

What to do:
If your router allows, set up a separate guest Wifi with a separate (strong) password for your friends and other devices. Guest Wifi should only have internet access but not “intranet” access (or access to files stored on your PC’s).

Why do it?
Your friends may sometimes ask for or need WiFi access while in your home.

Some devices you purchase will also need internet access. This can include your Smart TV, refrigerator, video gaming systems, televisions, thermostats, refrigerators and home video surveillance cameras.

Some home automation devices will need access to other devices within your home to work properly, so they should not be connected to guest WiFi.

What to do:
Connect to your home router, and change the login name and password. Make sure your WiFi password is strong. Then run through the settings and check that it isn’t unnecessarily letting external connections to devices in your home.

Why do it?
Most WIFI routers come pre-configured from the factory with a default admin user name and password. If you can, change BOTH the user name and password.

Unless you have a real need to access your home devices remotely or are running a home web server, turn off as many (or all) port forwarding & DMZ assignments as possible. Also turn off “ICMP echo requests”, remote management and turn on the built-in firewall of the router.

Doing so minimises the risk of an attacker gaining access to your home router either through WiFi, or remotely through the internet.

What to do:
Only connect to wireless networks you trust. Always use encryption such as https or VPN to view or send confidential material on wireless networks.

Why do it?
Fake access points can be used to steal your information. For example, the free Wifi at a cafe may be operated by an attacker who can see the data of all the users connected to it. The cafe may in fact not offer free WiFi.

If in doubt, do not use.