A WiFi SSID, or WiFi Service Set Identifier, is the technical term for your wireless network or router name.
What are the risks of using a default WiFi SSID?
Hackers are likely to target WiFis with default SSID on the likelihood that the owners have taken less care in securing their home networks. They can use a password-cracking tool, which uses the default and most common WiFi SSIDs, to easily find and take over your wireless network and steal sensitive data.
Some default WiFI SSID uses the actual manufacturer name or the brand name. Attackers can use this information to recognize the device and exploit any of its known vulnerabilities.
What is the recommended WiFi SSID?
Use a unique WiFi SSID to distinguish your home network from other networks. The more unique it is, the better.
You may follow these guidelines in choosing a good SSID:
- Pick a longer name that contains both letters and numbers.
- Do not include your name, address, date of birth, passwords or other personal information as part of the WiFi name.
- Update your WiFi SSID and password regularly, once every three months.
How do I change to my WiFi SSID?
- Using your computer or mobile device, open a web browser. You can use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.
- Log in to the Admin console of your home router.
Different router manufacturers have different ways of logging in to the Router Admin Console. You may refer to your Router Manual for more details. The most common is http://192.168.1.1. - On the address bar, type the Router IP address you took note on the previous step then press ENTER.
- Go to Wireless menu option.
- Change the default SSID name in the Wireless Network Name (SSID) field.
Other router manufacturers follow a similar path to the SSID. Check the website of your router manufacturer or the Router Manual for more details. - Click Save or Apply to confirm.
You may need to reboot your router for the changes to take effect. - Reconnect all your wireless devices using the new WiFi SSID.
Boost your Home Network Protection
Aside from choosing a unique WiFi SSID, having good network security is a must. Use Trend Micro Home Network Security to protect your sensitive and financial data from hacking, phishing, and other risky remote connections.
