The Most Dangerous Wi-Fi Mistakes People Make Daily

When people connect to Wi-Fi, they don't think too much about security afterwards.

Cybercriminals know that this is exactly what they are looking for.

A weak Wi-Fi connection can allow personal photos, banking information, emails, work documents and even smart devices on your home network to be visible. The problem is that many of the largest Wi-Fi security errors occur daily, and typically, users aren't aware of the dangers.

 

These are some things you should avoid doing when using the internet over Wi-Fi at home, at school, or in public.

 

Using the Router's Default Password

Lots of routers are mounted and overlooked.

Router interface showing default credentials

 

The administrator password will typically be left as is:

Ø  admin/admin

Ø  admin/password

Ø  password123

These are defaults that attackers are aware of.

If your router settings are compromised, they can:

o   Change DNS settings

o   Monitor traffic

o   Block devices

o   Send users to bogus sites. 

When I am assisting someone in obtaining a network, one of the first things I look at is whether or not the router's admin password has been changed.✅

What to do

Log into your router and set up a strong admin password, different from your WIFI password.

Keeping the default Wi-Fi Name (SSID)

A lot of people don't change their Wi-Fi names.

Examples include:

TP-Link_4A2F

SafaricomHome123

Huawei_B535

This may appear innocuous, but default names can give away:

 

v  Router brand

v  Router model

v  ISP provider 

The information can enable an attacker to discover known vulnerabilities for devices.

Better approach

Use a custom network name that doesn't leak personal or device information.

Avoid names such as:

• • •      Caleb's Wi-Fi
    •      Muga Family Network 
    •      House Number 12

Using a weak Password

This is still one of the largest security issues in the world.

Weak passwords include:

·         12345678

·         password

·         qwerty123

·         kenya123

These passwords are frequently easy to guess with software.

A secure 💪🏿 Internet password should include:

v  Uppercase letters

v  Lowercase letters

v  Numbers

v  Special characters

Example:

      K3nya!Fiber#2026

Long passwords are more secure than short complex passwords.

 

Connecting to Fake Public Wi-Fi Networks

Attaching to fake free Wi-Fi hotspots or using public Wi-Fi is convenient; however, It's additionally among the most common locations to mislead users.

Consider visiting a shopping mall and encountering the following:

·         Mall_Free_WiFi

·         MallGuest

·         Free_Mall_Internet

One of these networks may be owned by an attacker.

Fake hotspots are supposed to resemble a legitimate hotspot to trick users into connecting to it without raising suspicion.

If they are connected, an attacker can do the following:

ü  Monitor traffic

ü  Capture login information

ü  Leads to malicious websites.

ü  How to stay safe

Please check with the staff to confirm the official Wi-Fi name before connecting to the network.

 

Leaving Wi-Fi on All Day

A lot of smartphones are always looking for networks.

This can lead to automated connections and tracking efforts for users.

Your device might re-establish a connection with trusted networks automatically.

This is particularly risky when travelling.

WIFI connected

 

Recommended habit:

 Turn off Wi-Fi when:

        i.            Travelling

       ii.            Using mobile data

     iii.            In remote areas away from familiar places, etc 

It also aids in conserving battery power.

 

Ignoring Router Firmware Updates

Do not ignore Router Firmware Updates. Yes, don’t ignore Router Firmware Updates.

Mobile phones and Laptops are changed regularly.

Routers are frequently overlooked for years.

But there are also known vulnerabilities which could be exploited by attackers in outdated firmware. You should know that.

Manufacturers often issue revisions to resolve:

 

1.      Security flaws

2.      Stability issues

3.      Performance problems 

Check periodically

Check your router's administration page every couple of months for firmware updates.

 

Sharing your Wi-Fi Password with Everyone

It starts innocently.

A visitor asks: 

Do you have the WIFI password?

After a few months, it could be known by dozens of people.

The more people who can access it, the greater the risk. 

Someone may:

Share it further

Connect infected devices

Consume excessive bandwidth

Better solution: 

        ✅Set up a guest network.

Most contemporary routers will have an independent visitor or guest Wi-Fi network that separates the visitors from your own devices.

 

Allowing settings that don't support the current security standards or disable encryption.

The following outdated, or legacy, security protocols continue to be used in some older routers:

o   WEP

o   WPA

These are no longer deemed to be secure. 

The modern networks should be comprised of:

ü  WPA2

ü  WPA3

If the router has the capability of WPA3, turn it on. 

It gives greater protection from password attacks.

 

Forgetting About Smart Devices

The number of connected devices in today's homes is higher than ever.

Examples include:

v  Smart TVs

v  Security cameras

v  Smart plugs

v  Smart bulbs

v  Voice assistants

Many people lock their phones and laptops, but forget to lock their smart devices on the network

Sometimes, weak smart devices can be exploited with ease.

Always: 

ü  Change default passwords

ü  Update firmware

ü  Turn off whatever features you aren't using. 

 

Logging in to sensitive accounts on public networks

Browsing on public wi-fi is fine.

Accessing sensitive accounts is another.

Avoid logging into:

·         Online banking

·         Business systems

·         Government portals

·         Financial applications 

When using public networks, do so at your own discretion. 

If necessary, use a trusted VPN for additional protection.

 

Failure to track connected devices. 

A lot of people never inspect what devices are connected to their wireless networks.

You might be in for a shock.

Sometimes:

o   Old cell phones stay connected.

o   Unknown devices appear

o   Neighbours gain access

A vast majority of routers enable an administration panel view of connected devices. 

Check this list on a regular basis.

Change the Wi-Fi password immediately if you notice unfamiliar devices.

 

Take the following steps to secure your wireless network:

Make time today to affirm: 

ü  The admin password for the router has been changed. 

ü   WiFi password set to prevent strangers from accessing.

ü  WPA2 active or WPA3 active (but not both) 

ü  Guest network configured 

ü  Router firmware updated

ü  Unknown devices removed 

ü   Careful use of public wi-fi 

ü   Smart devices secured

 

These are simple steps that will significantly decrease your chances.

 

While Wi-Fi is an integral part of life, sometimes convenience gets in the way of security. 

Our mission is to help you avoid a big security issue down the road by making a few minor changes today.

If you don't regularly review your router settings, it's time to do so.

Thank you for learning. You may also want to read about👇🏿

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