What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication adds a second verification step when logging in, typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Research shows MFA blocks 99.9% of automated account attacks.

Do I need a password manager?

Yes. With the average person managing over 100 accounts, unique passwords are impossible to remember. CISA and NIST explicitly recommend password managers as essential tools for home cybersecurity.

Is Windows Defender enough for antivirus protection?

For most home users practicing safe online habits, Windows Defender provides excellent protection, consistently scoring 6/6 in independent testing. Additional paid antivirus may benefit users with higher risk profiles.

Should I freeze my credit?

Yes. The Federal Trade Commission calls credit freezes the best protection against identity thieves opening new accounts in your name. Credit freezes are free at all three major bureaus since 2018.

How much does home network security cost?

HardEdge Security offers a free 30-minute consultation, security assessments for $150, and full network security installations ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on home size and complexity. Many security improvements like enabling MFA and freezing credit are completely free to do yourself.

Do I need a VPN for my home network?

For most home users, a VPN provides limited security benefit since most web traffic is already encrypted with HTTPS. VPNs are most useful on public WiFi networks. A properly configured router with a hardware firewall provides more comprehensive home network protection.

How do I secure my smart home devices?

Key steps include: change default passwords on all devices, enable two-factor authentication on device accounts, put IoT devices on a separate guest network, keep firmware updated, and only buy devices from reputable manufacturers who provide security updates.

How to Secure Your Home WiFi Network

1Change Your Router Admin Password

Your router has two passwords: the WiFi password (what you use to connect devices) and the admin password (what you use to access router settings). The admin password is the more important one.

Default admin credentials like "admin/admin" or "admin/password" are published online for every router model. Anyone who knows your router model can look them up in seconds.

How to do it:

Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
Log in with your current credentials (check your router's label if using defaults)
Find "Administration" or "System" settings
Change the admin password to something strong and unique
Store this password in your password manager

Don't lose this password. If you forget it, you'll need to factory reset your router, which erases all settings.

2Update Router Firmware

Router firmware is the software that runs on your router. Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix security vulnerabilities—but unlike your phone, routers don't update automatically (usually).

Verizon's 2024 Data Breach Report found that exploiting known vulnerabilities increased 180%—and many of these are router vulnerabilities with patches available.

How to do it:

Log into your router admin panel
Look for "Firmware Update," "Software Update," or "System Update"
If available, click "Check for Updates"
Install any available updates
If your router supports it, enable automatic updates

Tip: If your router is more than 5 years old and no longer receives updates, consider replacing it. Unsupported routers are a significant security risk.

3Use Strong WiFi Encryption

WiFi encryption prevents others from intercepting your internet traffic. The strongest option available is WPA3, followed by WPA2. Never use WEP—it can be cracked in minutes.

Encryption Types (Best to Worst):

WPA3 — Best. Use if your router supports it.

WPA2-AES — Good. Still secure for home use.

WPA2-TKIP — Outdated. Upgrade if possible.

WEP — Insecure. Change immediately.

4Create a Strong WiFi Password

Your WiFi password should be at least 12 characters and not easily guessable. Avoid using your address, family names, or common phrases.

Good vs Bad WiFi Passwords:

password123 — Bad: Common word + numbers

SmithFamily2024 — Bad: Personal info

correct-horse-battery-staple — Good: Passphrase

kJ9$mL2@nP5xQ8w — Good: Random

5Set Up a Guest Network

A guest network is a separate WiFi network that keeps visitors (and your IoT devices) isolated from your main devices. If a guest's infected laptop or a compromised smart TV gets hacked, it can't access your personal computers.

What to put on the guest network:

Smart TVs and streaming devices
Smart home devices (thermostats, lights, plugs)
Game consoles
Visitor devices
Kids' devices (optional, for parental control purposes)

Keep on your main network: Your computers, phones, and network storage where you keep important files.

Bonus Security Steps

Disable WPS

WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) has known vulnerabilities. Disable it in your router settings.

Disable Remote Management

Unless you need to manage your router from outside your home, disable this feature.

Change Default Network Name (SSID)

A name like "NETGEAR-5G" reveals your router model. Change it to something generic.

How to Secure Your Home WiFi Network

Why This Matters

1Change Your Router Admin Password

How to do it:

2Update Router Firmware

How to do it:

3Use Strong WiFi Encryption

Encryption Types (Best to Worst):

4Create a Strong WiFi Password

Good vs Bad WiFi Passwords:

5Set Up a Guest Network

What to put on the guest network:

Bonus Security Steps

Disable WPS

Disable Remote Management

Change Default Network Name (SSID)

Quick Checklist

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