Ensuring that your home wireless connection is secure is essential to preserving your privacy and intimacy. Many people believe that simply changing the password is enough, but the truth is that an important aspect is often overlooked: the SSID. This refers to the public identity of the network, the name we give it. It is recommended to change the factory name that comes with the router, as it can reveal hardware vulnerabilities or the location of the router, preferably opting for neutral names. Additionally, experts recommend discarding the option of hiding the network, as there is technology capable of detecting it anyway.
The importance of your router’s identity
When it comes to protecting our home’s wireless network, we usually opt for firewall configurations or choosing strong passwords. However, we often overlook the Service Set Identifier (SSID), that is, the visible name of our WiFi network. It is a common mistake to ignore the fact that this is the first piece of information others receive about our network. According to experts, not changing the network name and leaving the default one is like opening the door to our personal information to any attacker.
The names set by the provider often reveal the device’s manufacturer and model, indicating to attackers the weaknesses of that specific hardware, as well as its intrusion protocols. Additionally, the risk doesn’t stop at giving access to the manufacturer’s technical data; we ourselves often provide more information without realizing it. We added details such as surnames, employee numbers, or family nicknames to the network name, making potential attacks even easier.
How to make my network more secure?
The key to a secure network lies in neutrality. A strong name is one that doesn’t reveal anything about who owns it or what technology it is using. Experts recommend generic terms that don’t give any clues, like “AWiFiZone” or “HomeWiFi.” By removing router brands and personal data, the chances of identity theft are drastically reduced, and it discourages intruders’ interest.
The myth of the invisible network
Another technique often used to protect the network is hiding the SSID so it doesn’t appear in search lists. However, specialists have shown that this is a poor choice, as there are professional scanning tools that can detect “invisible” networks with relative ease.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it dangerous to keep the factory-set name of the router?
The default name (SSID) usually reveals the manufacturer and model of the device. This information acts as a guide for attackers, as it allows them to know the specific weaknesses of that hardware and the most effective methods to hack it.
What types of names should be avoided for WiFi?
Names that include personal information such as last names, floor numbers, family nicknames, or the company name should be avoided. Ideally, you should choose a neutral and generic name, like “HomeWiFi” or “AWiFiZone,” that gives no clues about who the owner is or what technology is being used.
Is it useful to hide the network name so it doesn’t appear in searches?
It is not recommended. Experts agree that hiding the SSID is an ineffective security measure, as there are professional scanning tools that can easily detect “invisible” networks.