Secure your home Wi-Fi network

Securing your home Wi-Fi network starts with securing your router.

It’s vital to do as everything that comes in and goes out of your home Wi-Fi network goes through your router.

Securing your router can prevent others, including cybercriminals, from accessing your personal information as it goes through your router. It also prevents them from accessing your home Wi-Fi network and any devices connected to it – or using your Wi-Fi for free!

Learn how to secure your router with our tips below.

Tech terms: what is a router?

Before we explain how to secure your home Wi-Fi network, it’s helpful to know what your router is.

A home Wi-Fi router is a small electronic box that typically combines router and modem functions to create an internet-connected network for the devices in your home.

Your router provides the home Wi-Fi network that connects your devices to the internet using Wi-Fi. For example, it can connect your phone, laptop and any smart devices to your Wi-Fi internet.

In this article, we refer to the device simply as a router.

Typically, when you signed up with your internet service provider (ISP), they will have sent you a router to use. Or you may have chosen to buy your own router.

How to secure your home network

Your router will have come with default login details (username and password) set by the manufacturer. For example, there’s a good chance the default username is ‘admin’ and the default password is ‘password’.
Anyone can look up these default login details, leaving your home network and the devices and information on it open to attack if you don't update your router's default login details.
You can change the default username and password by logging in to your router online.
How to log in to your router online
First, you need to know your router’s IP address. Each router comes with its own IP address which looks like a string of numbers, for example, 123.168.10.1 or 10.0.0.1.
Some routers have a sticker on the device that provides your router’s IP address. Or you can find this number by looking up the model online, or in information provided by your ISP.
Then, you can:
type this IP number into your web browser's address bar
log in with the default username and password.

Note that next time you log in, you’ll need to use the new, unique login details you choose for your router.
Once logged in, change both the username and password to something more secure. Create a strong password(opens in a new window) by making it long, unique and random. Ideally, use a passphrase, for example, ‘splashy-deviancy-finer-equipment'.
To help you remember your new, unique login details for your router, you can save these to a password manager(opens in a new window).
You should also change your Wi-Fi network’s default name and password. This is the name of your home Wi-Fi network and the password you use to access your home Wi-Fi on your devices.
Changing the default details prevents someone nearby using your Wi-Fi for free. It also helps to protect your router from attack.
Protect your home network by:
- Changing your Wi-Fi network name. You can do this by logging into your router online (see instructions above) and going to the settings section. For example, you could rename it ‘My speedy WiFi’ or something funny like ‘No more Mister Wi-Fi’. Make sure you don’t include any personal information, such as your name or home address, in your Wi-Fi network name.
- Changing the Wi-Fi network password. While you're in the settings section, change the Wi-Fi network password to something long, unique and unpredictable. Or use a passphrase, which is easier to remember. For example, ‘umbrella-spherical-thunder-lightbulb’.
- Learn more about creating strong passwords and passphrases(opens in a new window).
Wi-Fi encryption protects your online activity and information as it travels over Wi-Fi. Using the strongest encryption available provides you with the highest level of protection when using your home Wi-Fi.
The strongest level of Wi-Fi encryption is ‘WPA3’. Check if you have this by logging into your router. If it isn’t available, set it to ‘WPA2’.
If WPA2 isn’t available, you should upgrade your router. It’s important to use WPA2 encryption at minimum to ensure your online activity and information is safe from cybercriminals.
Keeping your router’s software up to date(opens in a new window) is one of the best ways to prevent a cybercriminal from accessing your Wi-Fi network.
If you received your router from your internet service provider (ISP), they may be able to remotely update your router’s software. Contact your ISP and ask them what they do, or what you should be doing.
If you bought your router yourself, you will need to keep it up to date with any software updates.
Ensure you follow the instructions in your device’s user manual.
During updates, don’t:
disconnect the power
unplug any cables
press the reset button.
Top tip
Your router may not receive software updates anymore if it’s too old.
This is called ‘end of support’. End of support can put your device and information at risk. The best way to keep your data safe is to upgrade to a newer router.
You can also speak to your ISP to see what routers they provide.
Smart devices are any gadgets that have built-in technology that means they can connect to the internet. For example, smart TVs, robot vacuums and voice-controlled speakers.
Most smart devices connect to the internet using your home Wi-Fi network, so it’s important to secure your home Wi-Fi network when connecting smart devices.
Putting your smart devices on a guest Wi-Fi network is a good idea as it isolates them from other devices on your main Wi-Fi network, such as your mobile phone or laptop. That way, if your smart device is compromised, your laptop and phone stay safe.
You can set up a guest Wi-Fi network on most routers. To learn how, check the instructions in your device’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website.
Read our article, Secure your smart devices, for more cyber security tips for your smart devices.

Get help

If you’ve experienced an online security issue, your first step is to contact the service provider.

If your device, account or network has been accessed by someone else without your permission:

change your passwords(opens in a new window) immediately for any accounts you believe may have been accessed.

turn on MFA(opens in a new window) for your accounts to help prevent future attacks.

If you think personal or financial details might have been exposed:

contact your bank: Contact your bank or financial institution immediately. Explain the situation and request extra protections to be placed on your accounts.

protect your identity: If you think someone may have accessed or stolen your identity or identity documents, contact IDCARE(opens in a new window). This is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support if your identity information has been compromised or misused.

report it: You can report cybercrime securely to ReportCyber(opens in a new window). You can also call them 24/7 on 1300 292 371. Your report will be referred directly to the relevant law enforcement agency.

Safety & emergencies

Updated 20 February 2025

Secure your home Wi-Fi network

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Tech terms: what is a router?

How to secure your home network

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