Keep your Wi-Fi to yourself
Your Wi-Fi Wi-Fi refers to a set of wireless communication protocols that can transmit traffic to Wi-Fi enabled devices within a local area. A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop or tablet can connect to the internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the internet. An area covered by one or more Wi-Fi access points is commonly called a hotspot.
network Several computers that are connected to one another.
is the gateway to all your connected devices. Making sure your Wi-Fi is secure doesn’t just prevent other people from using your internet, but it also helps keep your devices and your data safe from potential intruders.
Your computers, phones and maybe even your lightbulbs share a Wi-Fi network; it’s important to make sure your network is as secure as possible.
Risks to you
Hacking
Hacking Hacking is a term used to describe actions taken by someone to gain unauthorized access to a device. The availability of information online on the tools, techniques, and malware makes it easier for even non-technical people to undertake malicious activities.
is any action taken to get unauthorized access to a device or account.
If a cyber criminal hacks into your Wi-Fi network, they can gain access to your internet, and any devices and data on that network, including your browser (Web browser)
A program that allows a user to find, view, hear, and interact with material on the internet, including text, graphics, sound, and video.
history, passwords and files.
Wi-Fi theft
If your Wi-Fi network isn’t secure, anyone within range can access your personal internet connection and your devices. Trespassers can steal your bandwidth A measure of the "speed" of an Internet connection. The rate at which information travels through a network connection, usually measured in bits per second, kilobits (thousand bits) per second, or megabits (million bits) per second.
and usage capacity to download Transmission of data from a remote computer system onto a local computer system.
large files like movies or games, leaving you stuck with a big bill.
Criminal charges
If someone accesses your Wi-Fi network and uses it for illegal activities, you could be held accountable — even if you weren’t aware of it.
Use your private network safely
Ditch the defaults
Many cyber criminals are familiar with the default A setting automatically chosen by a program or computer that remains until the user specifies another setting.
login information on Wi-Fi routers. Be sure to change your network name and password Combination of letters and numbers you select to secure an account or device.
to prevent someone from stumbling onto your network.
Use a passphrase, or a strong password
We recommend that you use passphrases, as they are longer yet easier to remember than a password of random, mixed characters. A passphrase Combination of random words you select to secure an account or device.
is a memorized phrase consisting of mixed words with or without spaces. For example: LampFloorPlantDoor.
If your router A network device that is used to establish and control the flow of data between different networks.
requires a traditional password, make sure it’s strong. A strong password should include:
- At least eight characters
- A combination of upper- and lower-case letters and at least one number
- At least one character that isn't a letter or number, like !, # or $.
Learn more about creating passphrases and passwords.
Limit area coverage
Try to keep your coverage area limited to your house by placing your router as close to the middle of your space as possible, rather than placing it near windows.
Update your devices
Make sure that every device on your network, including routers, computers, smartphones, and smart devices, have updated software A computer program that provides instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software, such as Windows, Linux or MacOS, operate the machine itself, and applications software, such as spreadsheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality.
and operating systems to keep your entire network protected.
