Best Practices forSecuring Your HomeWireless Network

Why it’s important to secure your home wireless network.Your WiFi can be seen as the backdoor to all of your connected devices – it serves as thehub for all online devices at any given time, potentially allowing attackers to gain access topersonal information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details and more. As thenumber of connected devices in the home proliferate, it is important that consumers takeprecautions to guard against potential network breaches or attacks so that yourinformation is secure, and home network remains safe.

OpenWhat is a home wireless network?Your home wireless network is the foundation for all digital connectivity. It is created onceyour broadband Internet connection, usually provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP),is connected to your wireless router in order to provide WiFi throughout the home for allyour connected devices – cell phones, smart televisions, smart plugs, smart speakers, etc.

Avoid using routers provided by ISPs. While some ISPs may give you a router as part ofthe package, it is typically better to invest in yourown wireless router to ensure that it haseverything you’re looking for – especially securitycontrols, guest network capabilities andautomatic firmware updates.

 Tip: Linksys routers follow the latest securitystandards with WPA3 and WPA2 and includeadvanced security features with automaticfirmware updates, Guest Network Access andparental controls.

Keep firmware updated on all devices.Firmware updates contain necessary securityfeatures that maintain protection againstpotential threats on each smart device. 

 Tip: Turn on automatic firmware updates!

Do not reuse passwords. The first entry point ahacker will try is almost always your password. Ifa hacker is successful, and you utilize the samepassword across multiple accounts, your devicesand information may be compromised.  Tip: Can’t keep track or remember passwords?We recommend storing all unique passwords andbackup codes in a separate, secure encryptedpassword manager tool like Dashlane, BitWardenor LastPass.

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Set up a guest network for all visitors. Creatinga guest network allows guests to access theInternet but restricts access to files andinformation saved on your home network. Tip: Invest in a router that enables guestnetworks. Keep in mind that this may be nameddifferently depending on manufacturer – Linksyscalls this feature Guest Access.

Always use unique and varying passwords. Itmay seem superfluous to use a differentpassword for every app or account, but thisstrategy helps to mitigate any unwanted accessfrom hackers.

Tip: A strong wireless password should typicallybe at least 12 characters long and include atleast 1 capital letter, 1 lower case letter, 1numeric, and 1 special character.

See here for best practices and basicactions you can take to ensure thatyour router and all connected devicesare safe:

How to secure yourhome wirelessnetwork.

Remember: In addition to what we are doing as the manufacturer, users should always keep firmwareupdated on all of their connected devices, use safe and unique passwords, while exercising all othernecessary security precautions. 

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At Linksys, the security of all our devices is, andalways will be, a top priority for us.

Our security team works around the clock in collaboration with external security researchers to continuouslyensure the security of our products. In addition to perpetual monitoring of our overall systems, we review allreports submitted to us and stay up to date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities. For the safety of ourconsumers, we release fixes for our products as soon as we find a resolution so that together, we can protectyour network and connected devices.

If you believe you’ve found a security related issue or vulnerability, please report it to us here: https://www.belkin.com/us/security

For full visibility on Linksys security advisories, visit our support page here:https://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=246427