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[The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) [Internet HelpCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) # 5 Next-Level Security Wi-Fi Tips for Home Published: June 11, 2024 |5 min read You've been vigilant about covering the basics when it comes to [home wireless network security](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/wi-fi-security-essential-protections). You've [changed the default name/password](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/t-mobile-gateway) on your router or gateway. Lo mantienes fuera de la vista. You've enabled encryption *and* a firewall. You've been careful to do all the necessary software and firmware updates.  #### Jump to a Section 1. [Set up a virtual private network (VPN)](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [Treat your smart devices like nosy guests](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [Split things up with a virtual local area network (VLAN)](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) 4. [Learn the art of subnet masking](https://www.t-mobile.com#4) 5. [Be leery of slow internet](https://www.t-mobile.com#5) - Share "5 Next-Level Security Wi-Fi Tips for Home" on X - Share "5 Next-Level Security Wi-Fi Tips for Home" on Facebook - Share "5 Next-Level Security Wi-Fi Tips for Home" on LinkedIn But are there more-advanced things you could be doing to take Wi-Fi protection to the next level? Let's explore some ideas that can help keep you safe from hackers, signal thieves and beyond. ## __How to improve Wi-Fi security in 5 easy ways__ ### 1. __Set up a virtual private network (VPN).__ A [VPN](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/security-and-wifi-how-does-a-vpn-work) routes your web traffic to a server operated by a VPN service (for a fee, of course), which then hides your [IP address](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/what-is-my-ip-address-and-how-do-i-change-it). Esto añade otro nivel de seguridad a tu red. De lo contrario, cualquiera que conozca tu dirección de IP podrá acceder a todo tu historial de búsquedas en cuanto utilices un navegador a través de una conexión desprotegida. If you use a VPN, however, your web traffic comes from the VPN's server, keeping your IP address, as well as your browsing history, personal information and your devices, more secure. ### 2. __Treat your smart devices like nosy guests.__ Being the vigilant person you are, you probably set up a [secure guest network](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/setting-up-guest-wi-fi-network) when family or friends come to visit-just in case one of their devices happens to be carrying malware. También permite a los invitados acceder a la red wifi sin que tengas que revelar la contraseña de tu red privada. Puedes utilizar estas mismas precauciones con otros tipos de "invitados" que viven en tu casa a tiempo completo, como electrodomésticos inteligentes, cámaras, bombillas, monitores de bebés, aspiradoras, etc. Estos dispositivos de Internet de las cosas (IoT) son muy fáciles de piratear. Keeping them on a secure network that's separate from your main network offers another level of protection. ### 3. __Split things up with a virtual local area network (VLAN).__ VLAN technology lets you split your home network into segments using budget-friendly switches. Al igual que una red para invitados, puedes utilizarlas para aislar dispositivos de IoT, como electrodomésticos inteligentes, cámaras, sistemas de seguridad, etc., o para mantener los dispositivos del trabajo separados de los personales. Puedes añadir o eliminar el acceso de personas según sea necesario. También puedes priorizar el tráfico según sea necesario, para que nunca pierdas la conectividad durante esa reunión, partido o película tan importantes. Switches are [compatible with many wireless home gateways](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/connect#third-party-equipment) and routers. ### 4. __Learn the art of subnet masking.__ While most of the suggestions above should suffice for the average household, die-hard security gurus may want to start learning more about [subnet masking](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/guide-to-wifi-subnet-masking-networks). Es un poco más complejo que estas otras opciones, por lo que ha estado reservado sobre todo a los departamentos de TI de las empresas. Sin embargo, ahora que los hogares tienen tantos dispositivos conectados, mucha gente lo considera una opción real. ¿En qué consiste? El enmascaramiento de subredes consiste en dividir la red en secciones, o subredes, y dar a cada una su propia dirección de red para aumentar la seguridad, aislar el tráfico y controlar el ancho de banda. Like we said, it can get a bit complex, but it's worth looking into if you're pretty tech savvy. ### 5. __Be leery of slow internet.__ When internet comes to a halt, or [slows to a snail's pace](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/why-your-wi-fi-is-slow-and-how-to-fix-it), your first instinct may be to shake your fist at your internet provider. Pero esto puede ser una señal de que tu red doméstica ha sido comprometida por piratas informáticos (¡o quizás por algunos vecinos molestos que buscan un pase gratis a tu costa!). Ninguna de estas situaciones es buena. Here are some red flags to look for: - __Your internet is suddenly slow or non-existent.__ As we mentioned, it may just be a fluke, but an *abrupt* change could be a sign of something sinister, as well. - __You try to log in to (or reset) your router, but you can't.__ In this case, you may have to reset your router to the factory defaults. - __You notice weird software on multiple connected devices.__ Whether it's a bizarre browser toolbar, an antivirus message, or some type of pop-up, something's wrong. Log in to your router (or reset it if you can't log in) and get the latest firmware update while also uninstalling any suspicious software from your devices. - __You see strange devices accessing your network.__ Use your router's app or web interface to check for devices with IP addresses don't match yours (the first three numbers should be the same). If those don't match, remove them from your Wi-Fi network and reset your password. - __You get a ransomware message.__ This is obviously a telltale sign you've been hacked. Por lo general, los expertos desaconsejan pagar a este tipo de piratas informáticos. So, before you take any action, learn more about ransomware [here](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center/education/online-safety-cybersecurity). - __You can tell someone is controlling your device remotely.__ This is also an undeniable sign that there's a big problem. Desenchufa todos los dispositivos y desconecta el enrutador inalámbrico del módem. Restablece todo y cambia tus contraseñas. T-Mobile is America's fastest growing [Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) provider. See if T-Mobile Home Internet is [available in your area](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) and then [find a plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans) that's right for you. ##### Explore Wi-Fi Security - [Wi-Fi Security: Essential Protections](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/wi-fi-security-essential-protections) - [Security And Wi-Fi: How Does a VPN Work?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/security-and-wifi-how-does-a-vpn-work) - [101 Guide to Wi-Fi Subnet Masking Networks](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/guide-to-wifi-subnet-masking-networks) Sources: [https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/nokia-gateway](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/nokia-gateway) [https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/stop-home-network-hackers-top-10-tips-to-protect-your-wi-fi-security](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/stop-home-network-hackers-top-10-tips-to-protect-your-wi-fi-security) [https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/feature/How-to-compartmentalize-WiFi-traffic-with-a-VLAN](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/feature/How-to-compartmentalize-WiFi-traffic-with-a-VLAN) [https://nordvpn.com/blog/home-wifi-security](https://nordvpn.com/blog/home-wifi-security) [https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/how-to-fix-a-hacked-router](https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/how-to-fix-a-hacked-router) [https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/ransomware](https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/ransomware) [https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2023/10/16/your-home-wi-fi-network-can-be-hacked-unless-you-follow-these-four-steps/](https://blog.freelancersunion.org/2023/10/16/your-home-wi-fi-network-can-be-hacked-unless-you-follow-these-four-steps/) Tags - [VPN](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/vpn) - [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/wi-fi) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [Setting Up Internet in a New Home: How to Connect While Moving](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) April 15, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/self-install-internet) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/self-install-internet) [Internet Connection](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-connection) ## [Self-Install Internet: What It Is, How It Works, and Key Benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-connection/self-install-internet) June 16, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [New Internet or Internet Transfer When Moving: What's Best?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) April 22, 2026 ### Find out if your home address is eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. 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