In the modern era, life seems to come to a standstill without a stable WiFi connection. As a result of extensive wifi usage all over the world, the number of hackers trying to gain access to your network has also spiked up. Most cases of unauthorized entry occur if weak security wifi is being used.
The security mechanisms in place to stop wireless man-in-the-middle attacks are receiving more and more attention as public hotspots continue to proliferate and the number of remote workers rises. To start, you should use TLS/SSL Certificates to secure your network. However, these WiFi security alternatives will significantly increase the security of your network in addition to using TLS Certificates to ensure network protection. The below listed steps ensure wireless security.
How to secure wifi?
1. Employ Complex Passwords
The WPA2 password you use to secure your wireless network should, like all passwords, be lengthy and complex enough to thwart hackers trying to “aircrack” your password. Avoid using personal names, common dictionary phrases, or guessed-at numbers.
2. Modify the WiFi Admin Username and Password That Are Default
Changing the default login and password is the simple first step to enhancing security. Eliminating this vulnerability cuts off the lowest hanging fruit for hackers since most routers don’t require a physical connection to access the admin interface.
3.Utilise the most recent WiFi encryption
You should replace your hardware if it can only support WEP or WPA encryption. The Wi-Fi Alliance highly advises that WPA2 be widely used. As long as it is used correctly, cutting-edge encryption has been shown to be secure against even the most determined attackers. If you are in charge of a corporate environment, you ought to use the extra security that specialized digital certificates provide.
4. Encrypt the admin pages of WiFi routers
Securing your administrative login pages with a WiFi digital certificate is necessary to increase WiFi security. Some routers ship with pre-installed self-signed certificates that are untrusted by the general public, simple to copy, and subject to Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attacks. Your WiFi communication will be secure and private as long as you use TLS certificates from reputable Certificate Authorities. If the quick start manual for your router doesn’t address digital certificates, you can find instructions on the manufacturer’s support page.
5. Regularly Update the WiFi Router Firmware
According to research, up to 80% of routers arrive with serious security flaws. There isn’t a single device without known critical vulnerabilities, according to the Home Router Security Report from 2020. This is partially due to the outdated firmware that is built-in and the fact that automatic upgrades are by default disabled. Timely updates are a crucial component of any security strategy, much like other components of your network. Your network security will deteriorate as new hacker exploits are developed if you choose to ignore the firmware updates.
6. Take into account restricting MAC addresses
In smaller networks, administrators can lock down MAC addresses to have a high level of control, even if this would not be feasible in bigger networks. In order to block network requests from prospective attackers, wireless routers and Access Points use access control techniques including MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering. Each WiFi-enabled device keeps a list of devices that can connect to it and is given a distinct MAC or physical address. Although there are programmes that allow attackers to fake MAC addresses, you can manually input addresses to specify who is allowed to access your network.
7. Educate users to avoid auto-connecting
Your mobile staff may be tempted to configure their devices to automatically connect to any WiFi signal they come across. This is particularly risky when a user’s device connects without their consent, even if it would normally be evident to them that it would not be a good idea to check their email given the probability of a nearby hacker sniffing the network. Hotspots that have been purposely designed by hackers with the sole purpose of breaking into linked devices provide another threat.
8.Utilise Always-On SSL.
The same justifications for using HTTPS throughout your entire website also apply to WiFi. The user is exposed to session side jacking if they access their account on a protected page and then continue to interact with the website on an unencrypted page.
Wifi security types
Wifi networks make use of advanced encryption technology to implement safety of the network and prevent any leak of client data. Statistically, wired network systems are found to offer more security guarantees than wireless ones. This is why additional wireless security protocols have been incorporated to make sure that all personal data of the client is kept under wraps.
At present, there are four categories of WiFi security:
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA 3)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA 2)
Research has shown that WPA3 is the most secure option. Thus, you must try incorporating this particular setting.
Why does my wifi say weak security?
Mostly in iOS devices, users have encountered a “weak wifi” notification. This alert is issued by your device encryption services to notify you that your password is not strong enough to ensure full-proof protection against hackers. In case your wifi says weak security, try to follow one of the above mentioned procedures to enhance security protocols. It is advised to strengthen your security.
Conclusion
If you manage a wireless network or are a regular WiFi user, take a moment to think about the security you are using and whether it has been set up correctly. When safeguarding a complicated network, wireless access points are sometimes overlooked, but if you haven’t taken the necessary safeguards, they can be readily exploited.
Weak wifi security must be removed for security reasons. Hackers are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities in security protocols. Thus, you must consistently make sure that your network is protected at all costs, particularly if you are using a public network.
