Securing your home network
Your home Wi-Fi router usually comes with a default network name and password printed on a sticker. Changing that password to something long and unique is one of the simplest ways to keep strangers off your network.
- Change the Wi-Fi password to a long phrase only your household knows.
- Make sure the router uses WPA2 or WPA3 security.
- Restart your router occasionally and install updates when offered.
- Ask your internet provider for help if you are unsure — this is a common request.
Using public Wi-Fi wisely
Free Wi-Fi in cafes, libraries, airports, and hotels is convenient, but it is shared with strangers. Confirm the exact network name with staff before connecting, since look-alike networks are sometimes set up to trick people.
Public Wi-Fi is fine for reading the news, checking the weather, or browsing. Save private tasks, such as updating account details, for your home network or your phone’s mobile data.
Look for the padlock
Before typing a password or any personal details into a website, look at the address bar. A padlock icon and an address beginning with “https” mean the connection is encrypted. If you do not see them, do not enter private information.
Turn off automatic connections
Many devices automatically join networks they have used before. In your Wi-Fi settings, you can tell your device to “forget” public networks after you leave, so it does not reconnect without your knowledge.
