Securing your office or home Wi-Fi

Router settings that make your wireless network much harder to break into.

Your Wi-Fi router is the front door to every device on your network. A few settings make a big difference.

Checklist

1. Change the router admin password from the default. This is different from the Wi-Fi password.
2. Use WPA3 security, or WPA2-AES if some devices do not support WPA3. Avoid WEP and "WPA/TKIP".
3. Use a long Wi-Fi passphrase, at least 14 characters.
4. Turn off WPS (the push-button or PIN pairing feature).
5. Update the router firmware, or turn on automatic updates. Replace routers that no longer receive updates.
6. Create a guest network for visitors, smart TVs, cameras and other smart devices, separate from business computers.
7. Turn off remote administration unless you specifically need it.

For businesses

• Do not share the main Wi-Fi password with customers. Use a guest network.
• Change the Wi-Fi password when an employee leaves.
• Keep a list of what is supposed to be connected so unknown devices stand out.

If you are not sure what your router supports, open a ticket with the router brand and model number.

Last updated Oct 31, 2026, 2:49 PM ET