Remote work offers unparalleled flexibility—a quick mid-morning coffee break without breaking out the to-go mug, the comfort of working alongside your pets, and a commute that’s just steps away. But while enjoying the perks of working from home, it’s essential to consider how secure your network is, as a vulnerable WiFi setup could disrupt your productivity and peace of mind. Find out how to stay both connected and protected when working from home as our team at Twin Valley details how to secure your network!

Create Secure Passwords

Your WiFi is the heart of your home office, but if it’s not secured, it’s essentially an open invitation for hackers and cybercriminals. The very first matter of business you should tackle when setting up your at-home network is to change your router’s default password. Your passwords should be long, unique, and—most importantly—not guessable (no, “123456” doesn’t count!). As a standard practice, using a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters is recommended. And, if you’re still struggling to think of something, let a password generator do the work for you. Check out some of our favorites below!

• LastPass
• Norton
• 1Password

Depersonalize Your Network Name

Your WiFi network name is more than just a recognizable label; it’s actually an integral part of your at-home security. As tempting as it may be to use personal information, such as your name, address, or birthdate in your service set identifier (SSID), it’s best practice to opt for something generic or creative that doesn’t reveal anything about you or your location.

Insider Tip: If your friends or family need access to the WiFi, consider setting up a separate guest network to keep your devices isolated and safer. Use the Twin Valley Connect Set-Up Guide to set up your guest network today!

Regularly Update Your Router Firmware

Your router’s firmware is like its operating system, and keeping it up to date is critical for maintaining network security. Regular updates help reduce vulnerabilities and add extra security features that can further reduce your risk of a cyberattack. While it may sound tedious, updating your router’s firmware is incredibly user-friendly—many modern routers allow you to check for potential updates and install them directly from their manufacturer’s support page. And, if you have Twin Valley’s Managed WiFi, we’ll handle the updates for you, meaning you can rest easy knowing your firmware is always up to date!

Utilize a Network Firewall

Most routers come with built-in firewall settings that can be enabled for added protection (or are enabled by default). For many home workers, this built-in protection is sufficient. However, if you handle highly sensitive work-related data, consider installing a dedicated hardware firewall to add an extra layer of security. By properly configuring your firewall settings, you can better monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Install a VPN

What is a virtual private network (VPN), and what does it actually do? In short, a VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, making it harder for anyone to spy on your data or intercept your traffic. If your company provides a VPN, ensure you’re using it whenever you access work-related resources. If your company doesn’t offer a VPN, consider choosing a reputable option with a no-logs policy and strong encryption designed for business use. This will help protect sensitive information and ensure your privacy while working remotely.

Bonus Points: VPNs also make your browsing private when you’re working outside of your at-home office, whether from a coffee shop or the airport!

Try Twin Valley’s Easy-To-Use WiFi App

Take control of your network with Twin Valley Connect, your personal WiFi assistant. Simply download and launch the app, connect to your network, and let Twin Valley Connect do the rest. Our app will detect all devices and give you a snapshot of your network. From there, you can easily create a guest network, change your SSID and password, and more!

• Create profiles for people and places in your home.
• View all devices connected to your network, including their usage.
• Share a guest network for friends and family.
• Run bandwidth tests to monitor your network performance.

Check availability and view the best Twin Valley service plans and pricing today!