Does Hiding SSID Really Protect Your Wi-Fi?

Osborn Walter

Sep 12, 2023 | 6 min read

Privacy

What Is SSID?

What Is the Purpose of Hiding Your Wi-Fi Network Name?

Why You Should Not Hide Your Wi-Fi Network Name

Several Methods to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Using MetroVPN for Online Anonymity

What Is SSID?

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, and it is a name used to identify wireless networks. When you search for nearby Wi-Fi networks, the list you see consists of various network SSIDs. Each wireless network has a unique SSID, which can be set by the user or use default names like "NETGEAR" or "Linksys."

What Is the Purpose of Hiding Your Wi-Fi Network Name?

Some people believe that hiding their Wi-Fi network name can enhance security because it prevents strangers from discovering and connecting to their network. Hiding the SSID is achieved by disabling the broadcast SSID option in the router settings, which keeps it from appearing in the list of available networks. Only those who know the correct SSID and password can connect to the hidden network.

Why You Should Not Hide Your Wi-Fi Network Name

However, hiding the SSID is not an effective security measure for several reasons:

① Hiding the SSID does not prevent skilled hackers or individuals using specialized software from discovering your network. They can obtain your SSID and password through methods like monitoring wireless signals or cracking encryption.

② Hiding the SSID may inconvenience you or those you trust in connecting to your network. If you use multiple devices or frequently change locations, manually entering the SSID and password each time can be cumbersome and prone to errors.

③ Hiding the SSID may reduce your network's performance. When you disable broadcasting the SSID, you also disable some functions that facilitate communication with other devices, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and Wi-Fi Direct. These features make it easier to connect devices like printers and TVs and improve data transfer speeds.

Several Methods to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

If you want to secure your Wi-Fi network, hiding the SSID is insufficient. You need to adopt more effective methods such as:

① Use a Strong Password

Set a complex and difficult-to-guess password for your Wi-Fi network, including a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Change it regularly.

② Use the Latest Encryption Standards

Choose the highest level of encryption available in your router settings, such as WPA3 if supported, or use WPA2 if WPA3 is unavailable. Avoid using outdated and easily cracked encryption like WEP or WPA.

③ Update Router Firmware

Regularly check and install firmware updates released by your router manufacturer to fix potential vulnerabilities and enhance performance.

④ Disable Remote Management

Turn off any features on your router that allow access and configuration from the internet to prevent hackers from gaining access.

⑤ Restrict Guest Access

If you need to provide Wi-Fi access to guests, enable a guest network with a separate password different from your main network. This prevents guests from accessing your private files and devices.

Using MetroVPN for Online Anonymity

In addition to securing your Wi-Fi network, you also need to protect your privacy and security online. One effective method is to use a VPN service, which encrypts your data traffic and changes your IP address and location through a remote server, preventing websites, advertisers, governments, or hackers from tracking, monitoring, or stealing your information.

MetroVPN is an excellent VPN service with the following features:

① Global Servers

It offers servers in multiple countries and regions, allowing you to freely access any websites and content, including social media, video platforms, and games that may be blocked.