WIFI Security
Home WiFi Router
Why worry about securing my home WiFi?
Properly configured, your home wifi network not only creates a secure bubble, (aka LAN) or all your connected devices:
Phones/iPads/laptops/TVs
and all your IOT devices:
Cameras/printers/smart speakers and assistants i.e. Amazon Echo
but it also acts as a firewall from malicious intrusion online.
Improperly configured, it exposes your network to intrusions internally and externally.
When you log on with your phone or computer at home, how many wifi networks do you see pop up? 10? 20? 30?
The more networks you see, the more can see your broadcasted wifi name (aka SSID). Have you ever clicked on one of the other networks just to see if you could connect? Chances are, one or more of your neighbors has tried to log in to yours to see if they could get free wifi or to snoop on your network.
So you need to secure your network. There is a password to log on to your home wifi, but there is another password to get into the actual device.
If you bought one of the popular routers and installed it yourself, the default password might be printed on the instructions, but sometimes it's printed on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
Here are the links to instructions on logging in to some popular routers
Key points
Whether you installed your own router or it came as a single unit from the cable company, you should have control over the settings that affect your privacy and security
Take some time and read the instructions and watch YouTube how-to's on router settings
Goals
Change the default routerlogin password
Update the router firmware
Set up a 2 SSIDs, one private and one for guests
Your password security should be set to WPA2-PSK
Disable UPnP
In my opinion, the best source for learning about routers is Michael Horowit's page, routersecurity.org
To test your network security, go to Steve Gobson's page at GRC.com and click on the Shields UP!! logo
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
What they are
Software you install on your phone or computer, that when active, encrypts your data and obfuscates your location by hiding your real IP address. Your IP is your designated computer address assigned by your internet provider. To see yours, go to whatismyipaddress.com
Why you need one
Simple. When you use free public WiFi, you are sharing a common router with everyone else on that network, and that means that your network traffic can be intercepted.
Although you don't usually need to use one at home, there are times where you don't want to reveal your IP when online. A VPN comes in handy there too.
VPN Resources
Several VPN providers offer options plans that allow you to use service on your phone as well as on your desktop computer.
There are several free VPNs available. I recommend opting for a paid product.
Remember, "if a product is free, You are the product"
OVPN- Excellent service, available for a wide variety of operating systems and mobile devices
ProtonVPN- Part of the secure email service ProtonVPN
Mulvad VPN- Highly regarded by security experts
Lockdown- Specifically for Mac OSX and iOS devices