How to secure your wifi network

Securing home networks has become an increasingly difficult challenge as cyber threats grow more sophisticated. While technology continues to evolve rapidly, hackers are keeping pace, with many focusing on home networks as prime targets. Without robust home internet security, your valuable data remains vulnerable to exposure and theft.

Understanding home network security

Home internet security refers to the measures taken to protect your devices and data from cyber threats while using your internet connection. Essentially, it’s a suite of tools and measures designed to safeguard your household network and connected devices from unauthorized access (e.g., data breaches, cyberattacks).

Basic built-in security features, such as out-of-the-box firewalls and encryption tools, typically do not protect all connected devices because they might not address all potential threats. Devices like smart TVs, smartphones, and home automation systems may require additional security measures, such as antivirus software or dedicated security services, to fully safeguard against cyberattacks.

And when a wifi network lacks security and encryption, hackers can more easily break in. Once inside, they can:

Intercept data – Hackers can intercept and steal unencrypted sensitive information transmitted over an unsecured home network, including login credentials, personal messages, and browsing activity.

Plant malware – Hackers often repurpose weak networks as malware delivery systems (e.g., hiding true location or making it seem like it’s coming from the actual user).

Perform evil twin attacks – During these attacks, bad actors clone a home network to entrap new users.

Consequences of cyberattacks

Cyberattacks unfold quickly and usually without warning, but their consequences can last for months or even years. Victims of cyberattacks often have to deal with loss of valuable data, including personal information.

Reliable and scalable security solutions serve as a critical defense against cyber threats, protecting your sensitive data and providing you with peace of mind.

Basic steps to protect your home wifi network

You can take steps to protect your home wifi network with a few simple best practices:

Use strong, unique wifi passwords – Never rely on common formulations, or even recognizable phrases. Aim for 12-14 characters, alphanumeric, with no obvious patterns or repetition. Employ a password manager for easy recall.

Update firmware and software often – Hackers constantly study equipment and software for vulnerabilities they can exploit. Firmware and software updates often include new security patches that respond to improved hacking techniques. With eero Plus, you will have peace of mind years after your purchase with automatic updates supporting your devices.

Disable unnecessary network features – Tools like WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) help connect devices to the internet, but they also rely on PINs. Hackers can use a computer program to automatically try every possible combination of digits until the correct PIN is found, also known as a brute-force attack.

Create a guest network for visitors – A guest network seals off outside devices from your main network. This helps screen for compromised gear and potential backdoor entry.

Audits – You should also perform regular audits of connected devices and monitor network activity for anything suspicious.

Use WPA3 – This provides stronger protection against password cracking, prevents attackers from decrypting your data even if they know your password, and increases protection against spoofing and denial of service attacks.

Secure your network with the help of eero Plus

eero Plus offers comprehensive protection for your home network by combining essential tools into one subscription. It includes password management with 1Password, antivirus and identity protection through Malwarebytes, and privacy with Guardian VPN. Built on a secure foundation, eero devices feature encrypted communication, WPA3 security, wifi scheduling, and Matter support to protect connected devices. The guest network ensures your personal devices stay secure from outside threats. With eero Plus, you get advanced protection for your devices, data, and identity—making it an ideal choice for peace of mind.