Your Wi-Fi network is the gateway to all your connected devices—computers, smart phones and TVs, home automation items, and so on. It’s a door that needs to be locked to avoid intrusions, in the same way as you lock the door to your home. If your Wi-Fi signal is not protected, certain people may intercept it to connect to your network or access your connected devices. Here are 6 tips to secure your home Wi-Fi network.
- Use a complex password
- Change the Wi-Fi network name
- Hide the Wi-Fi network name
- Enable Advanced Security
- Update the router
- Limit port forwarding
1. Use a complex password
When you receive your terminal or router, a password is set by default. It can usually be found behind or underneath the device.
Information under the Helix Fi gateway- Network name (SSID)
- Default password
To enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network, change the default password that has been assigned to your gateway or router. See how to change the Helix Fi gateway password.
We sometimes lack imagination when choosing a password that’s hard to guess. You should choose a password that has 15 or more characters of various types (upper case, lower case, numbers, and special characters). Learn more about creating a strong password.
Good to know
With the Helix Fi gateway, you don’t need to spell out your password when you want to share it with guests. From the Helix Fi app, select Share Wi-Fi on the home screen, and then have your guests scan the QR code to log in. Simple as that!
2. Change the Wi-Fi network name
A default name is assigned to your network on your first login. It is also called the SSID, short for Service Set Identifier. Like the default password, it is usually displayed behind or underneath the terminal or router.
It is best to change the name as soon as you can. Choose a name that is easy for you to identify, but do not include personal information such as your name or address.
3. Hide the Wi-Fi network name
To go one step further, you can hide your network. By doing so, it will not appear in the list of available networks when a device tries to connect to Wi-Fi.
The Wi-Fi network name can be hidden in the Helix Fi app under Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Details > Edit Wi-Fi Settings. Important: if you hide your network name, you will need to manually enter it each time you want to connect a new device to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Enable Advanced Security
The Helix Fi gateway has Advanced Security included with all Helix Internet plans. But you have to enable it to take advantage of it! This feature monitors the activity of your devices in real time, alerts you to suspicious activity that could compromise your network, and allows you to remotely suspend Internet access to unknown devices. You can enable it in no time in the Helix Fi app. See how to enable Advanced Security.
A note about virtual private networks
A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure access tunnel that allows you to use a network confidentially and anonymously. The VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data when you use a network. For these reasons, it prevents certain built-in security functions, such as Advanced Security, from working properly. The use of a VPN at home is something to consider if there is a desire to maintain the protection of connected devices provided by the Helix Fi gateway.
5. Update the router
Your router or gateway firmware is regularly adjusted to adapt to new threats. The Helix Fi gateway updates automatically when a new software version is available — you don’t have to do a thing! If you are using another type of router, it may be wise to reboot it regularly for the device to update.
6. Limit port forwarding
Ports are like gateways that connect to a device on your network. Some devices, such as video game consoles, require a designated port in order to work properly. For this, you need to set up a port forward.
Since ports create openings to your network, we recommend using them sparingly. Also, remove any port forwards that you no longer need.
Enjoy your Wi-Fi, worry free
Securing your Wi-Fi is not rocket science. Especially if you have a network management app such as the Helix Fi app. The little bit of initial effort is worth it. Once you’ve implemented these security tips, you can enjoy your network with peace of mind.
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Mis à jour 14-05-2025
Version 3.0
