Archives - Wi-Fi

Limit sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks at places such as airports and coffee shops present an opportunity for attackers to intercept sensitive information. When using a public or unsecured wireless connection, avoid using apps and websites that require personal information, e.g., a username and password. Additionally, turn off the Bluetooth setting on your devices when not in use.

Reset your service set identifier (SSID) to a unique name

Using the default service set identifier (SSID) for your wireless router can give malicious parties clues about potential vulnerabilities they could exploit. To change the network name, enter the router’s IP address in your web browser, log in, and switch the SSID to something original that doesn’t contain any personal information or password hints.

Traveling—stay protected when connected

Before you connect to any public wireless hotspot—such as at an airport, hotel, or café—be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. If you do use an unsecured public access point, practice good Internet hygiene by avoiding sensitive activities (e.g., […]

Try mesh networking

Wi-Fi coverage can become very spotty if you’re far from the router or there are a lot of walls and furniture in between you and it. Mesh networking can solve this problem, by distributing coverage throughout a home via multiple points/satellites that all broadcast the same SSID. You’re no longer as reliant on being close […]

Use Ethernet if you’re working from home

As work-from-home arrangements become increasingly common, the quality of home internet connectivity is more important than ever. A direct Etherent connection to your router or switch will provide better stability and possibly faster speeds than Wi-Fi – plus it’s immune to certain types of cyberattacks against Wi-Fi security mechanisms. If your laptop lacks a built-in […]

Use your smartphone’s data network instead of public Wi-Fi

Most public Wi-Fi networks aren’t encrypted. If you’re connecting to the free internet at an airport or coffee shop, hackers may snoop on your online activity and intercept your private information. Cellular networks, on the other hand, encrypt all of your data. So if you’re in public and need to connect to the internet, turn […]