Entire households now rely on wireless internet—from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices and gaming systems. WiFi offers incredible convenience, dependability, and flexibility for everyday work and play. But it can also expose you to the ever-increasing presence of online threats and hackers. That’s why having a reliable home WiFi security network is essential.
The issue of internet safety gained new attention in September 2020. At that time, iOS users began that their WiFi networks weren’t secure. So, what can you do to ensure your WiFi is secure? Explore the basics of WiFi, potential threats to your online security, and how to secure your home internet connection in a few simple steps.
How do I make my WiFi more secure?
Intercept network threats and hacking by taking proactive steps. Here’s how to create a secure home WiFi network:
1. Rename your network
All your devices that broadcast a wireless connection have a network SSID (service set identifier). That’s just a fancy way of saying “network name.” These names are usually preset and generic, which makes finding and targeting them a breeze for hackers. To prevent this, change your WiFi security settings and update your network name. Get creative by choosing a unique and personalized name. But make sure your new network name doesn’t reveal your family’s identity or contain clues to your password.
To update your network name, you must first access the modem’s wireless settings by logging into your modem’s user interface and then navigating to the Wireless Settings menu.
To change your network name, go to the modem’s wireless settings. Log in to your modem’s user interface and navigate to the Wireless Settings menu. To do this on a CenturyLink router:
- Connect a computer or other device to the internet through WiFi or an Ethernet cable connected to your modem.
- Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.
- Log in to your modem’s settings interface (Modem GUI) using your Admin Username and Password printed on the modem label. That isn’t the same as your wireless network name (SSID) and password (key).
- Select “Wireless Setup.”
- Select “Basic Settings” OR “SSID Setup.”
- Select the SSID you want to edit. You can find your SSID printed on your modem’s label. The first one in the drop-down list is typically the one you want.
- If it’s not already enabled, select “Broadcast SSID” to activate the network.
- Enter the desired network name. The SSID cannot contain spaces. Remember that this will be visible to others, so it shouldn’t include sensitive information or clues to your password.
- Select “Apply” to save your changes.
2. Strong passwords
To secure your home WiFi network from prying neighbors and online hackers, turn on your router’s encryption and set a custom password. We recommend setting your security type to WPA3 if available or to WPA2, which requires every new device to enter a password to connect.
Next, create a strong password. The most robust passwords are lengthy, random combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write down your wireless network password and put it in an easily accessible but secure place. You should also change your router’s default password. For optimal home WiFi security, make sure it differs from your new WiFi password.
To change your WiFi password, follow these tips:
If you have the option of 64 bits or 128 bits, follow these guidelines:
- 64 bits: Enter 10 characters*
- 128 bits: Enter 26 characters*
* Characters can only contain letters between A-F and numbers between 0-9 with no spaces.
In all other cases, your custom password must:
- Be between 8 and 63 characters long
- Contain at least one number from 0 to 9
- Contain at least one letter from A to Z
Note: The space character can be used (but isn’t required)
3. Raise a firewall
A is a hardware or software network security system that blocks certain kinds of data from coming in or out of your wireless network. Your router likely came with one already installed, but it may be turned off by default when you set it up. You’ll sleep better at night knowing your personal data, files, financial information, and photos are secure behind your private firewall.
To set up a firewall on a CenturyLink router, follow these steps:
- Connect a computer or other device to the internet through WiFi or an Ethernet cable connected to your modem. Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.
- Log in to the modem’s online user interface (Modem GUI) using your Administrator Username and Administrator Password. Unless you’ve changed the default settings, you can find this information on the modem’s sticker. Note that these are different from your wireless SSID and security key.
- Select “Advanced Setup.”
- Select “IPv6 Firewall” in the left sidebar. Note: some older modems may say “IPv4 Firewall” or “Firewall.”
- Enable/disable stealth mode. Don’t enable stealth mode unless you fully understand its impact.
- Enable the firewall.
- Choose to allow or block incoming and outgoing traffic on the network.
- Click “Apply” to save your changes.
How to secure your WiFi router at home
Wireless router connections can be set up as secure or unsecured. Secure wireless connections are protected by passwords. A router password (often called the admin password) lets you access all your router’s settings (using a special URL through your browser), while a WiFi or network password allows your devices to connect to your network. Most CenturyLink modems come set up with wireless security turned on by default. You’ll be prompted to provide the WiFi or network password when connecting your device to the wireless network. Anyone within range can connect without a password if the connection isn’t secure.
Despite built-in security features, many people leave the default settings in place on their router/modem and network. Consumer Reports found that 62% never change their router’s admin password. That information is commonly found in user manuals or is standard across brands and models, making it easy for hackers to gain access, change your settings, or lock you out of your router.
Even if you only give out your password to family members or visiting guests, you may still end up with some uninvited visitors using your WiFi. That’s why it’s critical to create a strong and unique password and change it frequently.
Do you know who’s accessing your WiFi?
Outsiders could access your connection if you don’t have a secure WiFi connection. Your next-door neighbor might be “borrowing” your WiFi to stream content or surf the net. And if they’re connecting to your WiFi without permission, who knows who else may have access?
Your neighbor probably isn’t interested in your electronic files and private information. But a hacker can snag your sensitive information by using a man-in-the-middle attack, deploying tools that allow them to intercept data you’re transmitting, scan your emails for passwords, and download unlawful content. They can install spyware or viruses, skim from your bank accounts, or gain access to family photos. Even worse, you could have your identity stolen or be held responsible for any malware that originates from your network.
What else can you do to secure your home WiFi?
Keeping your connections safe and secure is a worthwhile investment of your time. Here are a few additional steps you can take to secure your home internet connection:
- Regularly update your router’s firmware to protect against any vulnerabilities.
- Set up a guest network for visitors who need to use your internet. That will get them online without providing access to your main network, which protects you from infected devices.
- If you’re concerned about WPS security, disable the WPS button function on your router.
- Brush up on other tips for managing your home WiFi security.
Taking steps to make sure your internet connection is secure doesn’t require much effort. But it can give you peace of mind knowing your network isn’t spreading malware or your private information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
I recently with the help of Century Link changed the network and the password on my router. I also reset the router. Yet I still have “weak security” showing up on my wifi connection. What else can I do?
Hey Harriet,
Thanks for your question. For more information, check out the help article, What to do if you get a “Weak Security” notice when connected to WiFi. For more assistance, please visit our support center or reach out to our team on Facebook.
Your link for “set up a guest network” takes me to a page called “what is a computer virus:”
Set up a guest network for visiting friends that need to use the internet. This will get them online without giving access to your main network, which protects you from any infected devices.
Stephanie,
Thanks so much for letting us know we had a link that wasn’t going to the proper place. We’ve since updated this to point to our article on how to set up a second network.
Happy reading!
1. Why do some modem have only one network while others have 2?(5g and 2.3)
2. Is the 5G on my wifi modem faster than the 2.3?
3 Does the 5G on wifi modem mean the same as my 5G mobile network? G=Generation?
How do I disable a privacy separator so I can print from my phone through Wi-Fi?
I reset my SSID and although my phone shows it under my available networks it will not connect, even after putting in my password several times and restarting my phone. I also have it set to connect automatically. Any idea what’s going on here?
My Ipad connected with no problem after I entered the password.
I don’t know how to find or set a password that I can put in my phone for wifi. Also, since my Centurylink email has changed I was asked to change my password, however, the password I put in is not the one that you have so it won’t let me change it. Please help.
How do I get a new modem/router?
I’m receiving phone calls on my cell phone from people saying they’re from Centurylink Tech Support. I know these calls are hackers. The red flags are:
1. The phone numbers on the Caller ID are local.
2. The Centurylink representatives are foreign and can barely speak english.
3. My phone number for my Centurylink account is not my cell number.
These callers inform me that there is either an internet outage in my area or my neighbors are having internet problems. These folks request that I give them information off my modem/router to perform a remote test to see if the equipment is working correctly. When I tell them I’m not having any internet issues and ask if they are really Centurylink employees, the hang up.
Up to recently, I’ve been receiving suspicious emails from centurylink claiming non existed issues are being found on my line. These fraudulent emails have been filed in my Spam file and haven’t had any. I am concerned about this new tactic. I can’t find any assistant on the FB IM nor website. It looks like Centurylink doesn’t have a working fraud department. Please provide guidance on these phone hacks.
Hey Mark– CenturyLink will never call a customer or email a customer asking for financial information, account login information, password, or social security number. CenturyLink will never ask you to download software or ask you to pay your bill via wire transfer or by online gift cards. To report, please visit: https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc and https://www.usa.gov/telemarketing
How do I figure out whether my router is connecting via a 2.4GHz WiFi network? I’m connecting a Tovala Oven and directions say I have to connect through 2.4GHz, and the oven won’t connect.
Hi Dorothy. Visit this article and scroll down to learn how to change your frequency settings: https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/wireless/which-frequency-should-you-use.html
Awesome blog! You would be a wonderful action in your article. This is a very useful post. The blog is very informative.
How can I set timer limit for the children so the WiFi will not be available after a certain time of night. Got kids late to school due to being up all night gaming. HELP LOL
Hey David! You might find this article helpful for setting up parental controls. Good luck! https://discover.centurylink.com/how-to-set-up-parental-controls-on-your-centurylink-modem.html
Hello I followed the weak security info to wpa2-personal which is what the cl setup shows and I still get weak security on iPhone and iPad. In researching IOS system says wpa3 is needed but call cl and was told cl doesn’t support wpa3. Please advise what can be done. Thanks
I need to know how to hook up a Linksys next generation AC to a 400 modem from centurylink and how would I connect a VPN to the modem or router.
When I enter http://192.168.0.1 , I get a message from Safari that this connection is not private and may be impersonating this address to steal my info. Any advice?
I have many “unknowns” in my Device Table. When I copy the IP and search they all fail to reach a sever. How can I determine what they are?