Here are four things to consider to help prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the Wi-Fi on your home network: Rename Your Routers and Networks Once you’ve set up your router for the first time and it’s up and running, change the generic username and password that accompanies it. The username and passwords provided with routers are public record, making your Wi-Fi easily accessible if unchanged. Use Strong Passwords Make your passwords stronger by: · Making it at least 16 characters long. · Not using personal information or common phrases. · Using a mixture of numbers, special characters, upper and lowercase letters. · Ensuring it’s unique; don’t reuse passwords. Keep Everything Up-to-Date Whenever a vulnerability is detected, router manufacturers will update the router firmware. To stay protected, set a reminder every month to check that your router settings are up-to-date. Turn On Encryption Encrypting your router is one of the easiest ways to secure your internet connection: 1. Find the security options on your router’s settings. 2. Then find the WPA2 personal setting. 3. If that option isn’t there, select WPA Personal. However, this is a sign of an outdated and vulnerable router; consider updating to one that includes WPA2 encryption. 4. Set the encryption type to AES. 5. Enter the password or network key; this password is different from the router password and will be used to connect all your devices to your Wi-Fi network.