When it comes to protecting not only your digital privacy but that of everyone within your household, Wi-Fi security is crucial. Safeguarding everything from files to banking details, login credentials and so much more, it helps to ensure stress-free browsing and internet use while reducing the risk of cyber threats. Today, let’s go over the basics of Wi-Fi security in more detail.
What is Wireless Security?
Wi-Fi security isn’t a single piece of technology, but rather a collection of hardware and software solutions that work together to protect your private network. Wi-Fi security also is designed to protect all devices you own that are connected to the network in question. The primary focuses of such a system are the encryption and secure storage of personal data, the strengthening of firewalls, ensuring that cyber threats are deflected, and enabling for user data privacy.
Types of Wi-Fi Security
Depending on the wireless network you have set up at home or work, it will have a specific level of encryption built in. There are several types including WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) as well as WPA (Wireless Protected Access) and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), but these are either outdated or less secure nowadays. Hackers and scammers are always engineering new ways to infiltrate networks, so you need a solution that is more future facing.
With this in mind, the best type of encryption for your Wi-Fi network is known as WPA2. This encryption has been around for a while now and has remained a highly effective means of keeping network traffic secure and safe, even used by various governments.
Two-Factor Authentication
Of course, Wi-Fi security itself will only get you so far. Setting up two-factor authentication on all streaming, banking, and other services (sometimes referred to as 2FA), is extremely important as well. This adds another layer of security to your login credentials, meaning that those trying to access a service or specific information on your network will have to jump through many more, smaller hoops to get in.
As an example, let’s say that you use PayPal (and you should, as it’s very secure in itself) for online purchases. Setting up two-factor authentication means that every time you buy something using this service, a code will be sent to your cell phone. You need to then enter this code in order to proceed.
What Else Can I Do to Ensure I’m Safe Online?
Developing safe browsing and usage habits can further mitigate the risk of sensitive data leaks or hacks. Visit only sites that you know are safe whenever possible. It’s also a good idea to stick to the first page or two of Google results when searching. This is because the highly intelligent content algorithm Google uses to provide relevant search results to users pushes spam and less-useful websites to later pages. If a site is on the first page of Google search results, it’s one of the most relevant to what you’re looking for! This can also prove handy when researching for a school project, checking for news updates, and looking for authentic websites from banks and such.
Lastly, try to avoid storing sensitive information on an internet-connected device whenever possible. Delete anything you no longer need digitally and already have a hard copy of, which should be stored in a secure physical location such as a home safe or lockable filing cabinet.
These are just the basics of Wi-Fi security, and there’s plenty more that can be done to ensure a smooth and stress-free internet user experience. Looking for more secure, lower-priced solutions with unlimited data? Check us out at KWIC Internet, where we have a wide range of wireless network packages available and much more! Contact us today for more details or for assistance.
