Let’s talk about Wi-Fi.
It’s the lifeblood of your home’s digital world. Streaming movies, working from home, online shopping, connecting smart devices—everything runs on Wi-Fi these days.
But here’s the problem: most people don’t realise just how vulnerable their home network is.
In fact, your Wi-Fi could be the digital equivalent of leaving your front door unlocked.
The good news? Securing your home Wi-Fi network doesn’t require a tech degree, and the payoff is huge.
Once you lock it down, you’re not only protecting yourself but also every device that connects to it.
From your laptop to your kids’ tablets, your smart fridge to your security cameras, a secure Wi-Fi network is the cornerstone of a safe digital home.
Why Your Wi-Fi Matters (More Than You Think)
Your Wi-Fi is the gateway to everything you do online.
If someone gets into your network, they could access all the devices connected to it.
That’s your personal information, your work data, your financials—everything.
Hackers can even take control of your smart devices and spy on you through your cameras or voice assistants. It sounds scary because it is.
What’s worse, many cybercriminals use insecure Wi-Fi networks as a launching pad for larger attacks.
They can exploit your network to target others, leaving you responsible for their crimes.
But don’t worry—securing your Wi-Fi is easier than you think.
Here’s how to make sure your home network is locked up tight.
1. Change the Default Router Name and Password
When you first set up your router, it comes with a default name (usually something like “Linksys” or “Netgear”) and password.
Hackers know these defaults, and they’re often the first thing they’ll try when attempting to break into your network.
Changing these two things is one of the easiest and most important steps in securing your Wi-Fi.
• Rename your network (SSID): Choose something that doesn’t identify you personally. Avoid using your name, address, or anything else that gives away information about you.
• Set a strong password: Your Wi-Fi password should be long, complex, and difficult to guess. Think of it like the key to your home’s digital lock—don’t make it easy for anyone to crack.
2. Enable WPA3 Encryption
If your router supports it, make sure you’re using WPA3 encryption.
WPA3 is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept your data.
If your router doesn’t support WPA3, at least ensure you’re using WPA2 (the next best thing).
Most routers come with encryption turned on by default, but it’s worth double-checking in your router’s settings.
This adds an extra layer of security to your network that keeps your data safe from prying eyes.
3. Turn Off WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS was designed to make it easier to connect devices to your network by simply pressing a button or entering a short PIN.
While convenient, WPS is a major security risk. Hackers can easily exploit it to gain access to your network. Turn it off.
Go into your router’s settings, find the WPS option, and disable it.
Yes, it’ll take a bit longer to connect new devices, but the added security is worth it.
4. Set Up a Guest Network
Having friends and family over?
Instead of giving them access to your main Wi-Fi network, set up a separate guest network.
This keeps your personal devices isolated from anything they connect to.
Many routers let you set up a guest network with just a few clicks.
This is especially important if people are connecting with devices you don’t control (like your neighbor’s kids or friends who might have lax security settings).
By keeping them on a separate network, you reduce the risk of your personal devices being compromised.
5. Keep Your Router’s Firmware Updated
Your router, just like your smartphone or computer, runs on software—called firmware.
Manufacturers regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities.
If you haven’t updated your router’s firmware in a while, you’re leaving your network open to attack.
Check your router’s settings to see if there are any available updates.
Some newer routers even offer automatic updates, which is a great feature to enable.
6. Turn Off Remote Management
Many routers have a feature called “remote management” that lets you access your router’s settings from anywhere in the world.
While that might sound convenient, it’s also a security risk—especially if you don’t need to access your router remotely.
Turn off remote management in your router’s settings.
This ensures that only devices physically connected to your home network can make changes to your settings, reducing the risk of external attacks.
7. Monitor Connected Devices
Take a few minutes every now and then to review the devices connected to your network - another task yo could do during a bathroom break.
If you see anything you don’t recognise, it could be a sign that someone has gained unauthorised access.
Most routers have a dashboard where you can view all connected devices.
If something looks suspicious, change your Wi-Fi password and kick the intruder off your network.
Why It All Matters
Here’s the bottom line: an unsecured Wi-Fi network is an open invitation for hackers.
They’re constantly scanning for weak networks to exploit, and if your Wi-Fi isn’t properly secured, you could be next.
But with a few simple changes—changing the default settings, enabling encryption, and keeping your router up to date—you can turn your home network into a fortress.
At Be Hard to Hack, we believe that protecting your home network doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating.
These small steps make a huge difference in keeping you and your family safe online.
And if you need help securing your network, we’re here for you with personalised advice, one-on-one consultations, and easy-to-follow guides.