Broadband Security: Keep Your Connection Safe

TL;DR

Your broadband security is important! This guide shows you simple steps to protect your home network and devices from hackers. We’ll cover changing passwords, updating your router, using a strong firewall, and spotting scams.

1. Change Your Router’s Default Password

Routers come with default usernames and passwords that are easy for hackers to guess. Changing these is the first step to securing your network.

1. Find your router’s IP address: This is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You can find it by opening a command prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and typing

   ipconfig

   (Windows) or

   ifconfig

   (Mac/Linux). Look for the ‘Default Gateway’ address.

2. Log in to your router: Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. You’ll be prompted for a username and password. Use the default credentials if you haven’t changed them (check the router’s manual or manufacturer’s website).
3. Change the admin password: Look for a section called ‘Administration’, ‘System Tools’ or similar. Change both the username *and* password to something strong and unique.

2. Update Your Router’s Firmware

Router manufacturers release updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Keeping your firmware up-to-date is crucial.

1. Check for Updates: Most routers have an ‘Update’ section in the administration settings (similar to step 1).
2. Download and Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install any available updates. *Do not* interrupt this process! It can brick your router if it’s interrupted. Some routers will automatically check for and install updates – enable this feature if available.

3. Enable Your Router’s Firewall

A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the internet, blocking unauthorized access.

1. Access Router Settings: Log in to your router (as described in step 1).
2. Find Firewall Settings: Look for a section called ‘Firewall’, ‘Security’ or similar.
3. Enable the Firewall: Make sure the firewall is enabled. Most routers have it enabled by default, but double-check. You may be able to adjust settings like intrusion detection and prevention – leave these at their default levels unless you understand what they do.

4. Use a Strong Wi-Fi Password (WPA3 if possible)

Your Wi-Fi password protects your wireless network.

1. Access Router Settings: Log in to your router (as described in step 1).
2. Find Wireless Security Settings: Look for a section called ‘Wireless’, ‘Wi-Fi’ or similar.
3. Change the Password: Use a strong password that’s at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
4. Choose WPA3 if available: If your router supports it, choose WPA3 encryption for the strongest security. Otherwise, use WPA2 with AES encryption. Avoid using older standards like WEP or WPA.

5. Enable Network Name (SSID) Hiding (Optional)

Hiding your network name makes it slightly harder for people to find your Wi-Fi, but isn’t a substitute for strong passwords.

1. Access Router Settings: Log in to your router.
2. Find Wireless Settings: Look for the ‘Wireless’ section.
3. Disable SSID Broadcast: Check the box labelled ‘Hide SSID’, ‘Broadcast SSID’, or similar. You’ll need to manually enter the network name on each device you connect.

6. Be Aware of Phishing and Scams

Hackers often use emails, phone calls, and text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information.

• Don’t click on suspicious links: If an email or message looks strange, don’t click any links.
• Be wary of unsolicited requests: Don’t give out your password or other sensitive information unless you initiated the contact.
• Check for secure websites (HTTPS): When entering personal information online, make sure the website address starts with ‘https://’. The ‘s’ indicates a secure connection.