In today’s fast-paced digital world, securing your rural broadband connection has become more important than ever. With nearly 25% of Ireland’s population still working from home and heavily reliant on the internet for daily activities, ensuring your connection is safe and protected should be a top priority for all rural homeowners in Ireland.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to safeguard your connection. In this article, we provide some simple tips to help you secure your rural broadband connection and enjoy peace of mind while using it for both work and leisure.
Tips for securing your rural broadband connection
Change the password
One of the first things you should do to secure your rural broadband connection is to change the default password of your WiFi network. In remote areas, it is not uncommon for homeowners to overlook this essential step, assuming that the likelihood of unauthorised access is lower due to the reduced population density. However, this assumption can leave your network vulnerable to potential hackers.
Creating a strong, unique password is a crucial security step. Be sure to choose a password that includes a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
Hide the SSID
Your network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name that appears when searching for available WiFi networks. By hiding your SSID, you make it more difficult for potential hackers to find your network.
Create a separate guest network
If you frequently have visitors who need access to your WiFi, consider setting up a separate guest network. This helps to keep your main network secure, as guests will not have access to your primary network’s password or connected devices.
Limit the range of your WiFi signal
In rural areas, where homes may be more spread out and surrounded by open spaces, it can be wise to limit the range of your WiFi signal. By doing so, you reduce the chances of unauthorised individuals accessing your network from a distance, thereby enhancing the security of your rural broadband connection.
Enable WiFi network encryption
Encrypting your WiFi network makes it harder for hackers to access your personal information. Encryption works by converting your data into a code, which can only be deciphered by devices with the correct encryption key. This means that even if someone manages to intercept your data, they won’t be able to make sense of it without the key.
To enable encryption, log into your router’s settings and select WPA3 or WPA2 encryption. These are the latest and most secure encryption standards available for wireless networks.
Turn on MAC authentication to safeguard your rural broadband connection
MAC (Media Access Control) authentication adds an extra layer of security to your rural broadband connection by only allowing devices with specific MAC addresses to connect to your network. You can find your devices’ MAC addresses in their network settings and add them to your router’s MAC filter list.
Turn off your WiFi when leaving home for extended periods
If you’re going away on holiday or leaving your home for an extended period, it’s a good idea to turn off your WiFi network. This prevents any potential hackers from accessing your network while you’re away.
Choose Wireless Connect for the best rural broadband connection in Ireland
At Wireless Connect, we recognise the significance of providing a secure, reliable and affordable broadband service to rural Ireland. Our mission is to support families, remote workers and small businesses throughout Laois, Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare in accessing contemporary and high-speed broadband solutions.
We have tailored our home and business broadband packages to address the specific requirements of customers living in even the most remote regions of Ireland.
So why wait? Embrace the possibilities of 21st-century internet connectivity with Wireless Connect. Get in touch today to discuss your broadband options and discover the advantages of high-speed internet for your rural home or business.