How do I make my Wi-Fi connection secure?

How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Connection?

Okay, so securing my Wi-Fi, huh? It’s something I actually think about, like, a lot.

Here’s the deal in a nutshell:

• Change default Wi-Fi name (SSID)
• Use a strong, unique password.
• Enable WPA3 encryption.
• Disable SSID broadcast (hide network).
• Update router firmware.
• Enable Firewall.
• Consider using a VPN.

Okay, let me tell you a story about my Wi-Fi fail. Back in like, ’18 maybe? In my apartment in Brooklyn, near Prospect Park… I never changed the default password on my router. Like, ever.

Huge mistake.

Then, one day my internet was awful. Like, unusably slow. Turns out, someone was leeching off my Wi-Fi to download tons of stuff. Lesson friggin’ learned.

So, yeah. Changing the default name, like my router used to be, “Netgear72,” is a must. I actually saw someone selling my SSID on the dark web around 2020.

And passwords? Ugh. Use a password manager, seriously. I like 1Password. (Cost like, $3/month, but so worth it). I’ve found a really solid, long password helps me sleep at night.

Encryption, too. WPA3 is the way to go now. More secure and stuff. Think, “armor” for your data.

Hiding your network name, turning off network name broadcasting, can add a layer of security. Plus, keep your router’s software updated. It’s like getting regular check-ups for your router.

And firewalls… well, they’re like a bouncer at your digital nightclub. Gotta have one.

Finally, a VPN, like NordVPN or Surfshark. Maybe a good idea if you want more security. Especially in coffee shops (shudder), or public Wi-Fi. You never know.

It just gives me piece of mind, ya know? And after the Brooklyn incident, believe me, I need all the piece of mind I can get.

How do I change my Wi-Fi from open to secure?

Wireless settings. Security options. WPA2/WPA3-Personal. Strong password. Done.

• Router access: 192.168.1.1 (or check your router).
• Default login: admin/password (often). Change it. Immediately.
• Firmware: Update. Crucial for security. My router? Asus RT-AX86U. Rock solid.
• Password managers: Use one. LastPass. 1Password. Keeps things tight.
• Network name (SSID): Change the default. Something unique. Not your address. Seriously.

Can you tell if someone is accessing your Wi-Fi?

Okay, so there I was, fall 2024, cozy in my Brooklyn apartment. I was working remotely, and suddenly the internet became a crawl. I mean, glacial. Ugh.

I got suspicious FAST. My Netflix kept buffering too. Frustrating! I was sure it wasn’t MY fault.

So I logged into my router—that’s where the fun started. Found a device named “Android-Nightmare” connected. Huh. I definitely didn’t own that!

• It wasn’t my phone.
• It wasn’t my laptop.
• It wasn’t my roommate’s stuff.

Major red flag! I was HOT. Someone was mooching off my Wi-Fi! So, I immediately changed my Wi-Fi password to something super complex. Problem solved, I hoped.

Then, I noticed my data usage was insane for like, the past month. I mean, I stream a lot of stuff, but not that much! Like, seriously high numbers. That confirmed it. It wasn’t just a glitch.

• Check your router’s admin page often, like once a week.
• Look for weird device names.
• Monitor your data usage, compare months.

After I changed the password, “Android-Nightmare” disappeared, thankfully. And my internet was blazing fast again! I think it was my neighbor. Never figured out for sure. Oh well, lesson learned. Always check your network. I am sure I got hacked.

#Networksecurity #Wifisecurity #Wirelesstips