When you’re working from home, it is important that you keep your home Wi-Fi network secure. It’s most likely not just your work computer running on your network, you might also have cell phones, smart TVs and even your smart thermostat connected.

Because of all these connected devices and the data transferred across them, it is important that you take heed of the following tips to protect your Wi-Fi network from cybercriminals.

1. Ensure your router is secure

The first thing you need to do to ensure your personal data is protected is to secure your Wi-Fi router. Routers usually come with a standard username and password, and cybercriminals have ways to find these standard credentials online. They can then either lock the network or access your data.

As soon as you set up your Wi-Fi, give the router a unique name and use a strong password with letters, numbers and symbols.

2. Strengthen Wi-Fi encryption

Encryption is one of the best ways to safeguard your Wi-Fi network. It scrambles all the data transferred on your network so that hackers can’t decipher what is being sent.

It is recommended that you use WPA2 encryption as this is the most secure. Most newer routers are compatible with this type of encryption. If you have a router that is older than a decade, it might not be compatible and it is essential that you upgrade your router.

You can check whether your router uses WPA2 encryption by logging in to your router and checking the network settings.

3. Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of encryption that hides your location’s IP address. That means that someone keeping an eye on your network won’t be able to see where you are based or what you are doing online.

VPNs have many benefits beyond securing your network. Since you can often select your IP address, they allow you to access content that might be restricted in your country. For example, if you enjoy online gambling but it is not regulated where you stay, you can use a VPN to mask your address and access new casinos not locally available. That way your data is not only secure, but you also get to enjoy many more entertainment options.

VPNs and their features can be used on your work computer as well as your phone and tablet.

4. Install a firewall

Most modern routers come with a pre-installed firewall. This firewall acts as a barrier to prevent hacking. However, there is the option to disable this firewall, so make sure it is enabled before connecting any of your devices.

If your router doesn’t have a firewall installed, make sure that you get one for your devices themselves.

5. Set up a separate network for IoT devices

The Internet of Things (IoT) includes other smart devices that you have in your home that are connected to your Wi-Fi network. This can include your smartwatch, fitness tracker, Alexa, smart thermostat or Google Home.

It is convenient to have all these devices online, but the more devices you have, the higher the risk of a hacker gaining access to your network, especially since not all devices prioritise security.

If you wish to elevate your work-from-home setup by protecting the Wi-Fi network you use for work, it is best to create a separate network for your IoT devices. This can be done via a virtual local area network (VLAN). With a VLAN, your work devices can be connected to one network, and your IoT devices to another.

6. Disable remote access

Modern Wi-Fi routers allow remote access so that a network technician can log into your device if you are experiencing problems. However, unless you need someone to have this kind of access, it is best to turn off this feature in the router’s settings.

Log in to your router’s web interface and look for settings, then disable “Remote Administration” or “Remote Access”. Most routers have this disabled as a default, but it is always best to check. By disabling this feature, you’re reducing the risk of someone outside of your home accessing your Wi-Fi.

7. Switch off your router when not at home

It may seem simple, but switching off your router when you’re not at home or not working is one of the easiest ways to protect your network. By unplugging the router you’re preventing hackers from accessing your network when you’re not home.

As a bonus, your router will also be protected from unexpected power surges.

8. Enable media access control (MAC) address filtering

A MAC address identifies specific devices on a network, each device has one. By turning on MAC address filtering, you’re preventing cybercriminals from connecting to a Wi-Fi network even if they managed to gain access to the password.

You can enable this feature in your router’s settings. Select the MAC addresses you wish to allow (e.g. your phone and laptop) and block any others.

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