How secure is your home internet?

With more devices than ever connected to our WiFi – from phones and laptops to smart doorbells and voice assistants – it’s easy to overlook the security risks that come with all that convenience. If your network isn’t properly secured, it can leave the door open to cyber threats, unwanted guests, or even data theft. 

The good news? Locking down your home network is easier than you might think. 

Home network security checklist

Here’s what to go through and how:

1. Change Default Router Credentials

Why: Manufacturers use common login info like admin/admin, which makes your network easy to hack.

How:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel, usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Enter your current admin credentials (check the router label or manual).
3. Navigate to the “Administration” or “System” section.
4. Change both the admin username and password to something strong and unique. 

2. Update Router Firmware Regularly

Why: Firmware updates fix known security holes and performance bugs.

How:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
2. Look for a “Firmware,” “System Update,” or “Software Update” section.
3. Some routers auto-update; others require manual download/upload.
4. If no auto-update:
   • Visit the manufacturer’s website.
   • Search your router model.
   • Download the latest firmware and upload it via the router panel.

Tip: Set a calendar reminder to check every 3-6 months.

3. Enable WPA3 Encryption

Why: WPA3 is the most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard. WPA2 is a strong fallback.

How:

1. In your router settings, go to the Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings section.
2. Look for a “Security Mode” option.
3. Select WPA3 if available. If not, choose WPA2 (AES) – avoid WEP or WPA (TKIP).

Note: Older devices may not support WPA3. Check compatibility.

4. Disable Remote Management

Why: Remote access lets others control your router from the internet – risky if not secured. 

How:

1. In your router’s admin panel, go to Remote Management, Remote Access, or WAN Settings.
2. Turn it off, unless you absolutely need it.

5. Set Up a Guest Network

Why: Separating smart devices and guests from your main network limits risk exposure. 

How:

1. In router settings, go to Wireless Settings or Guest Network.
2. Enable Guest Network.
3. Name it differently (e.g. “Home_Guest”) and secure it with its own strong password.
4. Optionally, restrict guest access to local network resources. Learn more about how to set up a guest network (and why you should).

6. Activate Built-In Firewalls

Why: Firewalls help block malicious or unwanted traffic from entering your network.

How:

1. Log in to your router and find the Security or Firewall section.
2. Ensure the SPI firewall or similar feature is turned on.
3. Some routers may also let you create custom firewall rules.

7. Monitor Connected Devices

Why: Identifying unfamiliar devices helps spot intrusions or unauthorised use.

How:

1. Log into your router and find the Device List, Connected Devices, or DHCP Clients section.
2. Review each device – look for names or MAC addresses you don’t recognise.
3. Most routers let you block or kick off unknown devices directly.

Tip: Give each device a nickname (e.g. “Alice’s iPhone”) to track more easily.

Can my neighbours connect to my WiFi?

Potentially, yes. Your neighbours, and actually anyone within range of your router, can connect to your WiFi if your network isn’t properly secured. An unsecured or weakly protected WiFi network is essentially an open door, allowing anyone nearby to use your internet connection without your permission.

This can slow your internet down, especially if multiple people are streaming or downloading content. More importantly, it poses a big security risk: unauthorised users could potentially access shared files, snoop on your online activity, or even launch attacks on other devices connected to your network.

How do I make my network more secure?

To protect your WiFi from unwanted access, it’s essential to take a few proactive steps:

• Use strong, unique passwords – Avoid common phrases or easily guessable combinations, or anything related to, for example, your name or birthday.
• Regularly monitor connected devices – Keep an eye on devices connected to your home WiFi network, remove any unfamiliar ones, and change your WiFi password to prevent re-entry.
• Set up a guest network – Separate your network into segments, isolating sensitive devices from others. 
• Use antivirus and anti-malware software – Protect individual devices from threats that might bypass network defences.
• Educate household members – Ensure everyone understands safe browsing habits and the importance of not sharing passwords.
• Hide your SSID (Service Set Identifier) – While not foolproof, hiding your network name – meaning it won’t be visible to anyone searching for nearby networks – can deter casual attempts to connect. Here’s how:
  • Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  • Go to the Wireless Settings, Wi-Fi Settings, or SSID Broadcast section.
  • Look for a setting like:
    • “Enable SSID Broadcast”
    • “Broadcast SSID”
    • “Visibility Status”
  • Uncheck or toggle off the SSID broadcast option and press save.

By securing your home wireless network, you not only protect your internet speed and bandwidth but also safeguard your personal data and connected devices from potential threats.

How can I monitor my home network?

Monitoring your home network is an essential step in keeping up both security and performance. Whether you’re trying to spot unauthorised devices, track bandwidth usage, or detect unusual activity, knowing what’s happening on your network can help you spot problems asap.

Fortunately, modern routers often come with built-in network monitoring dashboards. This allows you to view a list of all currently connected devices, see bandwidth usage in real time, set usage limits, and even block unfamiliar or unauthorised devices. Many routers also let you set up alerts when new devices connect or when usage spikes unexpectedly. 

At Airband, we make it easy to take control of your home network. Our Nokia WiFi app gives you real-time visibility into all connected devices, helping you monitor performance, manage usage, and spot potential issues straight from your smartphone. For added peace of mind, our Airband Protect cybersecurity add-on provides an extra layer of protection against online threats, so you can enjoy a safer, smarter internet experience at home.

Should you use a VPN at home?

Absolutely. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) at home is a great way to improve your online privacy, protect your data, and take control of your digital footprint (just be sure to use a paid VPN – free VPNs are renowned for selling user data, which kind of defeats the point!)

A VPN works by encrypting all internet traffic between your device and the VPN server, making it unreadable to outsiders. This means that your Internet Service Provider (ISP), hackers, or any third parties can’t see which websites you’re visiting or what data you’re transmitting. This is particularly valuable if you work remotely, handle sensitive information, or simply want to keep your browsing private.

While VPNs are often associated with public WiFi use, they’re really useful at home, too:

1. Enhanced privacy – VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt your traffic, preventing ISPs from tracking your online behaviour.
2. Secure data transmission – If you’re logging into bank accounts, accessing work files, or transmitting any confidential information, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection against data breaches or interception.
3. Bypassing geo-restrictions – VPNs allow you to appear as if you’re browsing from another country. This can help you access content or services that are restricted to certain regions, such as streaming platforms and news sites.
4. Protection against certain cyber threats – While not a replacement for antivirus software, a VPN can help shield you from man-in-the-middle attacks and malicious WiFi networks, even on your home network, if compromised.
   

That said, not all VPNs are created equal. Free VPNs may come with significant risks, like slower speeds, limited security features, or – as mentioned above – even the sale of your data to third parties. Some have even been found to contain malware or fail to encrypt data properly.

Take control of your home network security with Airband

With everything from smart speakers and doorbells to work laptops and gaming consoles relying on your WiFi, securing your home network protects not just your data but your privacy, finances, and peace of mind.

By following best practices, like using strong passwords, updating your WiFi router firmware, monitoring device connections, and enabling encryption, you’re already on the right path. But for even greater protection and ease of management, Airband has you covered.

With our Nokia WiFi app, you can monitor and manage your entire home network in real time, directly from your smartphone. Track bandwidth usage, identify connected devices, and block anything suspicious with just a few taps.

And for an added layer of defence, Airband Protect, our advanced cybersecurity add-on, offers features like real-time threat detection, secure browsing, and automatic updates to help keep you one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Not yet with Airband? Use our broadband coverage checker to check availability in your area and experience fast, reliable broadband with built-in peace of mind.