WiFi networks are less secure as compared to wired ones. Therefore, WiFi security is a must. Once you are done with login to netgear router, one of the primary things you typically wish to do is hide your router’s WiFi network so that no unauthorized users enter your network.
Here’s everything you need to know about hiding your wireless network, including the top security tips. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Why do You Need to Hide Your WiFi Network?
In accordance with IEEE 802.11 standards, each WiFi network includes an identifier that’s used by devices to connect to that network. This identifier is known as Service Set Identifier or SSID. It is just a fancy name of ‘network name’.
Around after every 100 milliseconds, routers transmit a beacon frame, consisting of information about the network, including the SSID. So the nearby WiFi-enabled devices find your network and connect to it.
So in order to prevent other devices from connecting to your network, it is better to hide your wireless network.
Guide to Hide Your WiFi Network
Here is a step-by-step guide to hide your WiFi network and prevent it from being seen.
Step-1: Make sure that your WiFi router is turned on and receiving proper power supply from the wall socket.
Step-2: Log in to the admin panel of your router. The admin panel login process varies depending upon the router manufacturer. For instance, Netgear users have to access the Netgear router login.
Note: It is worth notable that you need an updated web browser to reach your router’s default login portal.
Step-3: Once the admin panel opens, it requires you to enter the username and password.
Step-4: Fill in the required login credentials.
Step-5: As soon as you are on the router’s dashboard, head over to the Wireless section.
Step-6: Now, click on the Basic Settings option.
Step-7: Here, you will be able to customize the router’s SSID, channel width as well as a channel mode.
Step-8: Uncheck the box next ‘Enabled SSID Broadcast’ option.
This option may also be called Enable Hidden Wireless, Visibility Status, or simply SSID Broadcast, based on your router’s model.
That’s all! Don’t forget to save the settings before leaving the web page. After that, you need to reconnect your WiFi devices to the router’s network.
Security Tips for Your WiFi Network
Long story short, hiding your wireless network is not a beneficial security measure. It only prevents neighboring devices from seeing your WiFi network. Let’s have a look at the essential security measures you must take for your wireless home network.
- Encrypt using AES and WPA2
Keep in mind that your WiFi router is always transmitting signals in all directions. However, you can encrypt these signals to make them uninterceptable. This makes any signal intended for your computer only be readable by it.
- Change the Default Admin Details
A deep search on the internet can easily disclose the default username and password you are using for your home WiFi router. In case you don’t change them, all other security settings automatically become nil. That’s why it is best to change the default Netgear Nighthawk login credentials after the setup.
- Disable the WPS and UPnP Features
These are convenience features that include several big security vulnerabilities, e.g. the ability to avoid other security features. Therefore, it is recommended you to turn off WPS and UPnP features as soon as possible.
Also, ensure to create a strong password for your WiFi network. There were our security tips to safeguard your home wireless network. Do you have any other tips? If yes, don’t forget to share them with us via the comments section below.
