Why You Need a Guest Wi-Fi Network, and How to Set It Up
As the world grows more mobile and people more connected, there are more and more risks from unknown and potentially compromised devices, even those of friends and family. As the connected world grows, these risks are multiplied. According to recent research from the NCTA, in the U.S. there are approximately 8 networked devices per person. By 2020 this number is expected to climb to 14 per person.
A guest Wi-Fi network is one step to mitigate the risk represented by this reality while providing access and convenience to your guests. You can also use a guest Wi-Fi network to host devices you may not fully trust. This protects your family and any work devices that join your private home network.
Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network is an important security step, but it is sometimes neglected because the risks are unseen. Unlike an intruder who enters illegally, digital intruders are invisible. This is why when people think about home security measures they think first about securing the physical premises. But compromised digital home security can compromise your physical home security if criminals gain access to information that can be used to their advantage.
Even high-profile individuals and corporate executives are no exception to this. Our data shows that before coming on to BlackCloak 1 out 5 of our clients have not set up a network name (SSID) and password but are still using the default login credentials that came with the modem. But the factory settings do not provide adequate protection.
A guest Wi-Fi network allows unknown and possibly insecure devices to join without compromising your private home network. Configuring a guest network only takes a few minutes. You can also set up guest networks to host a home management system, cameras, game systems, and any other devices you’d like to keep on a separate network in order to mitigate risk.
Setting Up Your Guest Wi-Fi Network in Three Easy Steps
1. Find Your Router’s IP Address
You can access the administrative console for your modem either by entering the router’s IP address into the search bar of any browser or, in some instances, the manufacturer offers a mobile app instead. You can find the router number on the label of your modem or on the box or manual.
Home networks usually begin with 192. Examples of common IP addresses are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, and 192.168.8.1.
2. Sign in as the Administrator
This will bring you to a page where you can log in to the router. Each router comes with a default network name or SSID and password or access code. You can find these on your modem or box. If you have not set up your modem yet, you will need these to rename your home network. Choose unique admin login credentials. The SSID or network name is what appears visible in the list of available networks, although you can configure a network to hide it in advanced settings.
3. Enable Guest Wi-Fi Access
If your router offers guest network capabilities, locate guest settings on the admin page. The factory setting for guest access is usually by default disabled. You will need to enable it and give your guest network its own unique name and password. This is what guests will use to log in. It is best to use a stronger password and to change it frequently. Once guests log in, they can remember the network and save the encrypted password for ease of use with frequent visits.
Finally, remember to save your new settings. The modem may power off to configure these settings, and this may temporarily disrupt connectivity.
Configuring Your Wi-Fi Modem for Advanced Security
Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network is a necessary step in home security but is not the final step. In advanced settings, you can manage devices on the network, set limits for capacity, and enable other security features and controls.
BlackCloak can help you optimize your home network’s security settings for both your home network and guest networks. If you have questions regarding guest Wi-Fi networks, the BlackCloak team is here to help. Contact us at [email protected].
BlackCloak is a concierge, white-glove cybersecurity and privacy protection service. We help executives stay safe beyond the four walls of the office using enterprise-grade tools, proprietary methodologies, and our expertise in law enforcement, intelligence, and commercial cybersecurity to protect your entire digital life.
