How to Protect Your Home Wireless Network

The vast majority of households today utilize a wireless network to get online. Unfortunately all too often I see homes with wireless networks that are unsecured. Software and an increase in tech savvy criminals make network hacking a more common occurrence. Often, victims aren't aware it's happened until it's too late. Securing your homes wireless network is a critical first line of defense in preventing computer infections, identity theft, etc. The problem I hear from customers is; "How do I do it?"

Here's 9 easy but effective ways to secure your home wireless network

1.  Give your network a unique name

Avoid naming your network a generic name which makes it easy to locate or identifies it with you. Street names and house numbers let hackers know exactly where and how close they need to get to access your network more easily. Use a unique name - be creative!

2.  Password protect your network

Often we choose passwords based on names, birth dates, etc. Passwords like these are easy to crack for a dedicated hacker. A secure password should include a combinations of capital letters, numbers and special characters (!-@-$-%-*, etc). This makes it extremely difficult to hack. An example of a strong password would be; H@cker21!

3.  Think about where to position your router

Don't put your router by a window or close to any doors. The closer it is to the exterior walls, the stronger the signal is to the outside world. Placing your router in the center of your house is ideal, but might not be an option. Putting the router in your entertainment cabinet surrounded by other electronic devices can lower the signal so it's less likely to broadcast outside your house while retaining a good signal inside.