While it seems like the Coronavirus pandemic is coming to an end, it looks like the way we work may be changed forever. Many people are returning to the office, while just as many people have been alerted that their job will be permanently from home now. But, for business owners and employees alike, network security is a growing concern. Many business owners find themselves asking “Is it secure to let my employees work from their home network?” In this post from the TC Tech Systems blog, we’ll discuss ways to secure your home network when working from home.
Change Default Network Name And Password
One of the easiest and best ways to ensure your network is secure is to change your network’s default name and password. Internet service providers automatically assign networks with default usernames and passwords, and it isn’t uncommon for these to end up somewhere on the dark web. In the event that somebody gets a hold of your default network information, they can gain entry, and change the username and password to whatever they want. This will lock the network owner out from the network, meaning they won’t have access to the internet.
Changing your username and password makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your network. When selecting a new username or password, make sure to use long passwords with different letters, characters, and numbers to fully protect your home network.
Enable Wireless Network Encryption
If the business that you work for is concerned about network security, then chances are they’ve already had you enable wireless network encryption. Encryption is a great way to safeguard network data while working remotely. Essentially, network encryption is when your data is scrambled and changed into another format that cannot be deciphered by hackers. Most home wifi networks will receive the security they need through WPA3 encryption. It’s important to note that some devices that are 10 years old or older may not have an option to enable WPA3 encryption. If this is the case, call your internet service provider to upgrade to a newer device, or purchase a new router yourself. To see if your device can enable WPA3 encryption, look at the network settings of your computer, and check the wireless properties. You’ll be able to select the right encryption for your device when you join a wireless network from here.
Use A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN networks encrypt data so that a hacker cannot tell what you’re doing online, or where your network is located. These are a great way to hide your location if you’re worried about hackers spying on you while working from home. They also temporarily change your IP address, allowing you to appear that you’re at another location apart from your home address. Most VPN providers have applications that run on desktops and laptops as well as mobile devices like tablets and phones.
Still Not Sure If Your Network Is Secure? Reach Out To The Experts At TC Tech Systems
At TC Tech Systems, we’ve helped countless business owners secure their network before, during, and as the pandemic comes to a close. If you’d like assistance with ensuring the network security of you or your employees’ networks, reach out to the experts at TC Tech Systems today. We’d be happy to discuss some of the ways we can help secure the networks of you and your business. Reach out to us online or give us a call to learn more.
