Most people think about internet speed long before they think about internet security. But an unsecured WiFi network can do more than slow things down — it can let strangers piggyback on your connection or expose the devices sitting on it, from laptops and smart TVs to office point-of-sale systems and CCTV recorders. The good news is that locking down a home or office network doesn’t require special equipment or technical expertise, just a few settings that most routers already include.
Start with the router’s admin password
Every router ships with a default admin username and password, often printed right on a sticker on the device itself. If that password has never been changed, anyone within range — or anyone who looks up the default credentials for your router model online — can log into the admin panel and change your settings. This is separate from the WiFi password you give out to guests, and it’s the first thing worth updating on a new router.
Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, never “Open”
In the router’s wireless security settings, make sure encryption is set to WPA3 if your router and devices support it, or WPA2 as a solid fallback. Older WEP encryption is outdated and easy to break, and an “Open” network has no password at all — anyone nearby can connect and see unencrypted traffic on the network. This one setting does more for your security than almost anything else on this list.
Set up a separate guest network
Most modern routers let you create a second, isolated WiFi network for guests and smart-home devices — think visitors’ phones, smart bulbs, or a smart TV — so they can’t see or reach the computers and file shares on your main network. It’s a small step that keeps a compromised smart plug from becoming a doorway into your laptop.
Turn off WPS if you’re not using it
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) — the push-button or PIN-based way to connect new devices quickly — is convenient, but its PIN method is a known weak point that can be brute-forced. If you’re not actively using it to connect new devices, it’s worth switching off in the router settings.
Keep the router’s firmware updated
Router manufacturers periodically release firmware updates that patch security vulnerabilities, not just add features. Many routers now support automatic updates — worth enabling if yours does — and it’s a good habit to check for updates manually every few months otherwise.
Check what’s actually connected
Most router admin panels have a “connected devices” or “client list” page. Every so often, it’s worth a quick look — rename the devices you recognize so anything unfamiliar stands out, and if you spot a device you don’t recognize, that’s a good sign it’s time to change your WiFi password.
A quick checklist
- Change the router’s default admin username and password.
- Set wireless security to WPA3 or WPA2 — never leave it Open.
- Create a separate guest network for visitors and smart-home devices.
- Disable WPS unless you’re actively using it.
- Keep router firmware up to date, or enable auto-updates.
- Periodically review the list of connected devices.
None of this requires upgrading your package or buying new hardware — it’s five minutes in a settings menu that most people never open. If you’re a WebSpace Internet customer and aren’t sure how to find these settings on your router, our support team is happy to walk you through it. Call us on 0702 447 334 or reach out through our contact page and we’ll help you get your network locked down.