The 'Dangerous' Wifi Mistake That Experts Warn Could Be Putting Your Security At Risk Include Disabling Firewall & Using Weak Passwords

Your phone or computer without a strong Wi-Fi connection is not the same as with one — that’s an obvious statement. But what may not be so obvious is that you could be making mistakes on Wi-Fi that can cause major security issues and compromise your data. Johan Alexander, CEO of APKCima, says it is vital for those Wi-Fi providers or users to be aware of common mistakes that can put your security at risk. Here are some of his top picks for Wi-Fi mistakes you want to avoid. 

Using Weak or Default Passwords

Choosing a weak or default passwords on a Wi-Fi network — like your birthday or the names of loved ones — can leave you more vulnerable to hackers. “Using a weak password on a Wi-Fi network enables unauthorized access to your network,” Alexander says. “Default passwords are widely known and can be exploited by attackers.”

Solution: “As the CEO of APKCima, I advise users to always create strong and unique passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols,” Alexander says. “Regularly update your Wi-Fi password and avoid using easily guessable information.”

Lack of Encryption

Another mistake Alexander says he has experienced is that users most of the time don’t enable encryption on their Wi-Fi network, which ultimately compromises their data security and their network becomes more vulnerable to interception by attackers, compromising the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Solution: “Enable Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) or higher encryption protocols on your router to encrypt data transmission,” Alexander advises.

You’ve Disabled Firewall

If you don’t know how Firewall works, or are barely aware of what it is, don’t panic — you’re not alone. According to Alexander, many users disable the firewall without knowing that it actually protects your network from any external threats.

Solution: Ensure that the firewall is enabled on your router and individual devices, Alexander urges — and configure firewall settings to block incoming connections and allow only trusted traffic.

Unauthorized Network Access

Failing to secure your Wi-Fi network from unauthorized access can be very dangerous. “If left unsecured, anyone within range can connect to your network, potentially accessing your sensitive data or launching attacks,” Alexander says.

Solution: “Implement strong Wi-Fi security measures, such as enabling network encryption, using a unique network name (SSID), and enabling network access control with MAC address filtering,” Alexander recommends. “By avoiding these Wi-Fi security mistakes and implementing the recommended solutions, you can significantly enhance the security of your network and protect your sensitive information from potential threats.”