Is Your WiFi Secure?
A practical guide to understanding and improving your home network security
Quick Security Assessment
Answer these questions to get a quick sense of your network security level:
Do you know what security protocol your WiFi uses?
WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3? Most people don't know.
When did you last change your WiFi password?
If it's been years (or never), that's a risk factor.
Is your router's firmware up to date?
Outdated firmware often contains known security vulnerabilities.
Do you still use the default admin password on your router?
Default credentials are publicly known and easily exploited.
WiFi Intelligence can answer question #1 automatically
Our app analyzes your network's security configuration and explains it in plain language—no technical expertise required.
Understanding WiFi Security Protocols
Not all WiFi security is created equal. Here's what you need to know about each protocol.
WEP
CRITICAL - Do Not UseWEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was the original WiFi security standard from 1999. It can be cracked in minutes with freely available tools. If your network uses WEP, upgrade immediately.
WPA (Original)
Outdated - Upgrade RecommendedWPA was a temporary fix introduced in 2003. While better than WEP, it still uses TKIP encryption which has known vulnerabilities. Most modern devices no longer support it.
WPA2
Acceptable - Consider UpgradingWPA2 has been the standard since 2004 and uses AES encryption. It's still reasonably secure with a strong password, but has vulnerabilities like KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attacks) discovered in 2017.
WPA3
Recommended - Best SecurityWPA3 (2018) is the current standard, using SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) instead of the traditional 4-way handshake. It provides protection against offline attacks and forward secrecy.
The Transitional Mode Trap
Many routers offer "WPA2/WPA3 Transitional Mode" to support both old and new devices. This sounds like a good compromise, but it often undermines your security.
The Problem
Transitional mode is vulnerable to "downgrade attacks" where an attacker can force your WPA3-capable devices to connect using the weaker WPA2 protocol instead.
The Reality
Many routers don't implement transitional mode correctly. Some don't actually provide WPA3 protection at all—they just advertise it while still using WPA2.
WiFi Intelligence detects this
Our security analyzer checks if your network actually supports WPA3-SAE or just claims to. We'll tell you if transitional mode is working correctly or giving you false confidence.
How to Secure Your Network
Practical steps you can take today to improve your WiFi security.
Check Your Current Security
Use WiFi Intelligence to scan your network and see exactly what security protocol you're using. Our plain-language security advisor will explain what it means.
Get WiFi Intelligence →Update Your Router Firmware
Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and check for firmware updates. Many security vulnerabilities are patched through updates. If your router is more than 5 years old and no longer receives updates, consider replacing it.
Enable WPA3 (If Available)
In your router settings, look for security or wireless settings. If WPA3 or WPA3-SAE is available, enable it. If all your devices support WPA3, use "WPA3 only" mode for maximum security. Otherwise, transitional mode is better than nothing—but verify it's working correctly.
Use a Strong Password
Your WiFi password should be at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words, names, or patterns. A passphrase like "correct-horse-battery-staple" is both strong and memorable.
Change Default Admin Credentials
Your router's admin username and password are often "admin/admin" or "admin/password" by default. Change these immediately—attackers know these defaults and will try them first.
Know Your Network Security Status
WiFi Intelligence gives you the complete picture of your network security—in language you can understand.