๐จโ๐ป A Personal Wake-Up Call
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine noticed his internet had become painfully slow. YouTube videos took ages to load, video calls lagged, and sometimes the connection dropped completely. At first, he thought it was just a temporary glitch from the internet provider.
But then something strange happened: he saw unknown devices listed on his Wi-Fi routerโs admin panel. Thatโs when he realized โ someone had hacked into his Wi-Fi.
He wasnโt a tech-savvy person. He had never changed the default settings on his router and didnโt even know his network could be vulnerable. He asked me for help โ and I shared with him some simple but powerful steps to secure his home Wi-Fi network.
Now Iโm sharing those same tips with you.
๐ง 5 Essential Steps to Protect Your Home Wi-Fi
1. Change the Default Router Password
Most routers come with default usernames and passwords like โadmin/admin.โ Hackers know these, and itโs the first thing they try. Always set a strong, unique password โ with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Use WPA3 or WPA2 Encryption
Make sure your Wi-Fi security mode is set to WPA2 or WPA3 (not WEP โ it’s outdated and insecure). This ensures your connection is encrypted and harder to crack.
3. Rename Your SSID (Wi-Fi Name)
Avoid using personal details like your name or address in your Wi-Fi name. A generic name like โHome_Network_2025โ gives less away to potential intruders.
4. Update Your Routerโs Firmware
Manufacturers regularly release security updates. Log into your router and check for firmware updates โ this closes known security holes.
5. Disable WPS and Remote Access
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) may sound helpful but can be exploited. Turn it off. Also disable remote management unless you absolutely need it.
๐ฑ Bonus Tip: Monitor Connected Devices
Log into your routerโs admin panel regularly to check which devices are connected. If you see something unfamiliar โ it could be a red flag.
โ Conclusion
My friend now enjoys smooth, secure Wi-Fi โ and sleeps better knowing strangers aren’t stealing his internet or invading his privacy.
If youโre unsure how to apply these steps or feel overwhelmed by technical details, Iโm here to help. Reach out through the Contact page and Iโll guide you through it โ online or in-person (Belgium area).
โ ๏ธ Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes. Always take proper steps and precautions when changing network settings. Alpi TEK is not responsible for any misconfigurations or connectivity loss during the process.
