A secure network incorporates multiple devices such as smartphones, computers, printers, tablets, game systems, and other devices linked together and over the internet.

You can either connect them as a wired network or as a wireless network (without cables). However, all networks must be secured so that they are not vulnerable to unauthorized access or use, such as identity theft, malware installation, creating botnets, or data fraud.

IBM affirms that securing your network is the practice of protecting sensitive data and critical systems from cyber attacks. Hence, a network connection that Is not vulnerable to external attack Is what is referred to as a “secure network.”

A secure network allows you and your employees to use both the local network and the internet without external interference. Visit here for network security features.

The setup process is not complicated. Simply follow the steps below to set up a secure network.

Tips to Set Up a Secure Network: Back to Basics

1st Step: Getting Started

The first step to building a secure network connection is locating and opening up your Router Settings Page.

Locate your router’s settings page by inputting “192.168.1.1” into your web address bar in your browser. Follow the prompt and input your name and password where necessary, or check your router’s user manual and follow the directions provided.

2nd Step: Create Router Password

After you have logged in to your router, you’ll have to create your unique password to make your network access safer.

With your password safely stored, nobody else will be able to access your network. Hence, any potential change or adjustment to the settings can only be made by you.

However, if you think your password has been leaked and want to change it, simply go to the settings, locate the password information, and make the needed change to an exceptional one that can be hard to guess by someone else.

3rd Step: Change Your Network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier) Name

When you acquire your router and set it up, the SSID is often pre-set to a simple product name drop.

Change the name to something very original to help you distinguish which network is being connected to. Check your wireless settings on your router’s settings home page.

After changing the name, you’ll always be able to differentiate the network from several others. However, ensure to avoid using your personal information in the SSID.

4th Step: Encrypt Your Network

Network security often requires encryption to prevent third-party data access when data is transmitted over the communication network.

Begin by visiting your wireless security settings on your router’s settings and/or configuration page, and open them. Here, you should be able to select your preferred security method. Input the password to sign in to the network.

5th Step: Activate Your MAC Addresses Filtering

MAC Addresses are not peculiar to Mac devices alone. You can also access it on laptops, desktop computers, and smartphones with an active Wi-Fi connection.

The Media Access Control (MAC) is used to communicate with a network segment and is necessary to fortify your network even more.

To activate it, input all addresses you trust to connect to the network — consider every device you harness when kicking off an internet connection. Find the device’s MAC Addresses and then input them into the list on the settings.

It depends on which device you are using. Suppose you need to find the MAC address of your device, Google search for guidance on what applies to your device.

6th Step: Reduce the Range On Your Wireless Signal

You do not need a high range if it’s just for a small home apartment. Otherwise, this can give someone farther from your location the opportunity to try tapping into your network.

Consider altering the router mode to 892.11g or a different wireless channel. You can further reduce the router signals by wrapping tape around its antennas. You could also place the router in cardboard or a drawer as a measure to reduce its signals.

There is also a Wi-Fi-blocking paint that was recently developed to absorb signals and secure your network.

7th Step: Do Your Firmware Update And Connect To Your Network

Your router firmware must be duly updated for optimal security. Use the router’s dashboard to locate the most recent firmware. Try the “192.168” approach stated earlier.

After confirming that the past steps were accurately carried out, input your options across various devices you use. With this, the devices will be able to build a secure Wi-Fi connection to the network without issues.

8th Step: Install a Firewall

A firewall installation will additionally strengthen your security features from external attacks. It would block every unusual activity from accessing your network while prompting you of such dangerous events.

Also, this security measure will prevent your files from exiting your devices. A configurable network firewall accompanies virtually all wireless routers with built-in denial-of-service (DoS) and access controls defenses. Bear in mind that this feature may have been toggled off when you made the initial purchase. So, ensure to turn it on, do all the required settings, and select all options that meet your expectations.

You can also buy firewalls online. However, ensure that you are going for the most suitable option.