Unfortunately, yes, it can. This is why you must put some thought into the router you invest in. Wi-Fi gives users a convenient data connection. However, it is not devoid of security flaws that hackers can manipulate.
Users are encourage to learn the tricks that hackers use to know the habits that can make them easy targets. While cyber-criminals may be interested in routers on large sites, they can also mess with your home Wi-Fi.
How Wi-Fi Hacking Happens?
The hacker exploits seemingly insignificant mistakes you make while:
- Setting your router up
- Connecting your devices to a network
You probably imagine that Wi-Fi hacking involves some cyber thug breaking into your local Wi-Fi network. That is only one way the hacking can happen. Cybercriminals can also track you via your mobile devices and mess with your passwords.
They can then glean all the information they need. This includes information such as:
- Your address
- Your place of work
- When you travel
Your mobile devices can be tracked easily between locations. They can also reveal information that may compromise your safety as well as that of your loved ones.
How to Reduce the Risk of Being Hacked?
There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your Wi-Fi being hack and rendering your devices vulnerable.
Purchase a VPN
With a Virtual Private Network, your local traffic is encrypted. This makes it difficult for cyber-criminals to follow your online activities. Also, you can install VPN and change China IP. Your new IP will throw hackers off your track. Most VPNs help to encrypt your local traffic by providing some protection that makes your traffic difficult to understand.
This ensures that your Wi-Fi traffic recordings are of no use to the hacker. Even if they access your password, it will not help them to access your Wi-Fi.
Remove Networks that You no longer use from Your List
You have a list of networks that your device trusts and connects to. This is your Preferred Network List (PNL). Your device cannot differentiate between networks with similar names and security types.
Therefore, when you connect to a network one time, your device will file that name away. Next time you connect to a similar network, it will remember the name and connect automatically.
This makes it easy for hackers to gain access to your device. They can create fake access points that have names that are similar to common open Wi-Fi points. When your Wi-Fi is on in public, it automatically connects to a network that is in its memory.
A hacker may then load phishing files. They will access information such as the apps you are using, and places you frequent.
Disable Auto-Connect When Linking Networks
Every time you connect to a network, you are require to enter your password afresh. This can get repetitive and annoying as you have to purge your PNL. Wi-Fi networks with password protection allow you to save your password. Also, they curtail the risk of linking to suspicious networks.
Ensure that you choose ‘Disable Auto-Connect’ when you connect to a new network. Your device may attempt to connect to a network with a similar name to the one you are connecting to.
Henceforth, you will click on the name of the network you are connecting to but will not need to input your password. This helps to prevent your device from revealing the networks you have previously connected to.
Avoid Using Hidden Networks
It may seem like a great idea to hide networks. Does it not sound like a sound security move? Unfortunately, it is not. When you hide your network, it becomes easier to track your device.
Why you ask?
When a network is hidden, it does not appear in your device’s list of access points close to you. This may seem like a hacker will not be aware of a network that is there. However, its failure to broadcast its presence is a threat in itself.
A device that is set up to connect to a conceal network will detect it and attempt to connect. This makes it possible for hackers to trace your device even with extra precautions to remain hidden.
Conclusion
To conclude, your home Wi-Fi can be compromise. However, you can take precautions to ensure that you are safe. If you remember to be careful, especially as you switch networks, you may avoid getting hack. If you are unsure about your Wi-Fi’s security, disable the Wi-Fi radio when not in use. Then hackers will not be able to access your Wi-Fi network.
