Wi-Fi Security
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Since Wi-Fi devices use a radio signal (instead of wires) to broadcast a network and connect to the internet or other devices, it’s possible for unauthorized users to access your network. When these unauthorized users get access:
- You could experience reduced speeds and not get the internet speed you’re paying for.
- You can make yourself vulnerable to identity theft, malware and other malicious acts.
- If outsides conduct illegal activities while on your network, you may be liable, as these activities may be traced to your IP.
Note: Allowing a formal sharing arrangement is a violation of Midco’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Use the tips below to protect your home network – and see our tips for staying secure online.
Midco-Provided Wireless Gateways
When you purchase or lease Midco-provided equipment, we manage and update your wireless gateway (or router) firmware with the latest security patches and updates, if necessary. If we make these updates, we’ll do so overnight when fewer people are online. A firmware update may require you to reboot your equipment.
All installed Midco wireless gateways require password protection for your Wi-Fi network.
- When Midco installs a wireless gateway, our technician will change your default network name and password, if you’d like a custom one.
- If you have a Midco-provided wireless gateway, you can change your Wi-Fi password by logging in to the equipment.
- If you have Midco Freestyle® Wi-Fi, use the Midco Wi-Fi app to change your password.
No matter what, keep your network name and password is a secure location in your home.
Other Routers
If you have a router purchased outside Midco:
- Make sure you stay on top of security updates and patches.
- We highly encourage you to have a Wi-Fi network password or PIN security set up. Refer to your equipment’s user guide or manufacturer’s website for details.
- Buy and use devices with WPA or WPA2 (Wi-Fi protected access) protocol encryption technology. Ensure that these options are enabled when you install and use your device. Other device security types include:
- WEP (wired equivalent privacy). The least used and secured security option, this type is only available in older equipment.
- WPS (Wi-Fi protected setup): This type is less secure than WPA and WPA2, but is available with devices that don’t have keyboards or number pads to enter passwords – such as baby monitors and wireless printers.
- Device manufacturers set a default name and password. Change these. If your wireless network name is “linksys,” and your neighbor’s is, too, you may be on each other’s networks without knowing.
- If you allow visitors to access your wireless network while they’re in your home, be sure to change your password after they leave. There’s no need to let neighbor kids to be online on your network after they go home.
- Always keep your device software (such as Windows) up to date.
- Research whether a third-party firewall, antivirus and malware software are good options for your home.
- Disable file sharing or restrict it to each folder to a specified, trusted group of people.
- Always make sure your bank and credit card passwords are different from email and other passwords.
- If you have a Midco technician installing your services, be sure to visit about available security features – and get all your questions answered.
- Many wireless gateways and routers have a built-in firewall. If you’re not sure if your system is secure, contact us about any Midco-provided equipment. Or if you have a retail equipment or router, contact the manufacturer.
- If you discover you are connected to someone else’s network, log off immediately. Some people may purposely leave their connection open to gain partial access to unsuspecting visitors’ files.
- If you suspect you know where the signal is coming from, please let them know. They may not be aware their network is open to others.
