The ‘Dangerous’ Wifi Mistake That Experts Warn Could Be Putting Your Security At Risk
June 19, 2023 by Lisa Cupido
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 PasswordsChoosing 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 EncryptionAnother 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.