Securing Your Network: Why You Should Do it!
In today's interconnected world, where our homes are increasingly smart and our devices are constantly online, the security of our home networks has never been more critical. Just like locking our doors and windows to protect our physical belongings, securing our wi-fi and devices is essential to safeguarding our personal information and privacy. In this article we will delve into why securing your home network is just as important as having sturdy locks, along with real-world examples that highlight the risks if you don’t.
What is a ‘Home Network’?
A home network is like a digital highway that connects all the electronic devices in your home, allowing them to communicate with each other and access the internet. Just like roads connect different places, a home network connects devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Imagine your Wi-Fi router as the central hub of this network—it's like the heart that pumps internet connectivity to all your devices. When you use your smartphone to watch videos, your tablet to browse the web, or your smart TV to stream movies, they're all using this network to connect to the internet.
What is the threat?
When it comes to your digital life, there are plenty of ways malicious actors can target you, and often, it's for more than just your bank account. By accessing your home network, cybercriminals can gain entry to everything from the photos on your computer to the microphone in your home speaker, and even that smart camera you installed to watch your pets. The consequences of this intrusion can range from the mild, like listening in on your conversations with your pets while you're away, to the serious, such as deleting your photos and using your identity for further crimes.
According to the Australian Cybercrime Statistics, in the year 2022, nearly 200,000 small office/home office networks were compromised due to poor security practices, with fraud, online shopping, and online banking making up 54% of all cybercrime reports for the year. This number continues to rise annually as more aspects of our lives and homes transition online, rendering households that may not have been a target at one point much easier to access.
One of the most common responses people give when they hear about a cyberattack or vulnerability is "well, that will never happen to me" or "I have nothing people would want anyway." However, malicious actors often target large groups of people at random, hoping for at least a few of them to fail the security checks and allow them in. Once inside your network, they will often remain undetected, using software to monitor your internet traffic, accessing the microphone on your smart speaker, the camera footage on your pet cam, or sifting through files on your passwordless computer. These cybercriminals will bide their time until they have enough information on you to either blackmail and ransom your information or steal it and use your identity to commit further crimes.
How can I protect myself?
It can be very hard in todays modern world to keep up with cyber security trends and threats, but there are a few low difficulty and easily accessible ways to help fortify your home network, reducing the risk to your digital life:
Secure Your Admin Password
This will be your first step in locking down your network. Most home modems/routers will have their default admin login and password printed on the bottom or back of the devices, usually near the wifi name and password. In that area will be an IP address or website you will need to visit to access your admin controls.
Usually this address will be something like (192.168.1.1) or (http://mytelstra.gateway). If you are having trouble finding the address you can lookup the model of the router and find the user manual online which chould have the default credentials there.
Once logged in, change the default admin password to a strong, unique one. Instructions for this may vary by router model, but online guides can assist you through the process.Update Your Wi-Fi Credentials
After changing your admin password, proceed to update your Wi-Fi credentials. Within the admin console, navigate to the wireless settings section. Here, you can modify your SSID (Wi-Fi name) to something unrelated to personal information and change the default Wi-Fi password to a robust one, avoiding common phrases or personal details.
(optional) Hide your SSID, most admin consoles will have an option to ‘hide SSID’ or ‘stop broadcasting’, this will make your wi-fi no longer show up in search results for devices. With your SSID hidden you are a lot less likely to fall victim to random attacks but it can be an extra step to connect devices to so use this step if you are comfortable.
Setup a Guest Network
Setting up a separate guest network can add an extra layer of protection to your home network. This feature, available in most routers, allows you to create a distinct Wi-Fi network with its own password. Configure your guest network through the admin console, ensuring it is isolated from your main network.
Once created it is recommended to separate the devices you have at home into two categories:
1. Trusted devices are your personal devices that you use day to day for important functions, things like your smart phone, personal laptop and desktop.
2. Un-Trusted devices are everything else, but specifically items such as smart speakers, smart TVs, printers and guest devices.
Any device that falls under the ‘Trusted’ category should be connected to the main wi-fi while everything else should be directed to the Guest Network.
Separating your wi-fi like this will help make sure that your important devices, like your smart phone and computer, are kept behind an extra layer of security in the event that someone does manage to gain access to one of your other devices.
Seek Expert Advice
Implementing these security measures may seem daunting, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, FarSide Tech Repairs is here to help. Contact us for personalized guidance and support in fortifying your home network against cyber threats.
With proactive steps and expert assistance, you can fortify your home network, safeguarding your digital assets and preserving your peace of mind in an ever-evolving digital landscape.