How to Fix Weak Security on Wi-Fi

The internet is full of potential threats, so you’re probably wondering how to fix weak security of Wi-Fi. There is nothing scarier than being alerted to weak security on your internet connection. This is something that Apple implemented on iOS 14 and above and has alarmed many iPhone users since. But, don’t worry, there’s a way to resolve this issue, and this guide will show you how.

It’s worth noting that weak security on Wi-Fi can impact you on any device, and is dangerous whether you’re using an iPhone, desktop computer, or anything else. The first half looks at what weak Wi-Fi security means and why it can be a risk to ignore it. The second half talks more about how to ensure the highest levels of security on your Wi-Fi network, regardless of device.

What Does Weak Wi-Fi Security Actually Mean?

Technology has advanced significantly since the birth of the internet, and what was deemed safe back in the late 90s is far from today’s safety standards. Weak Wi-Fi security means that your internet connection is vulnerable to a number of different problems, including man-in-the-middle attacks, hacking, phishing, and even identity fraud.

By intercepting your internet connection, hackers can gain access to everything you’re doing online. This can include keylogging your passwords and credit card details and even impersonating you in emails or on social media. Scary, right? The good news is that most of this can be avoided by ensuring you have the highest levels of Wi-Fi security.

Wi-Fi security means the level of encryption standards protecting your connection. The very first encryption standard was WEP back in 1997, which WPA then replaced in 2003. In 2004 WPA2 was launched before eventually being replaced by WPA3 in 2018. In simple terms, WPA3 is now the highest level of Wi-FI encryption and should be the one you’re using. Anything less is a risk to you, your device, and your personal information.

How to Fix Weak Security on Wi-Fi Message on iOS

If iOS detects vulnerabilities with your wireless internet connection, you will see a ‘weak security’ message under your connection name in the settings menu.

The fix to this problem is quite simple. It’s informing you that the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to has out-of-date encryption standards. To resolve the issue, you need to adjust your encryption standards within your Wi-Fi router. We will explain exactly how to do that further in this article.

Before fixing the weak Wi-Fi security message on iOS, ensure that your iOS device has been updated to the latest software version as it can cause problems if not. You will also need to ‘forget this network’ after your settings have been adjusted so that you can reconnect.

How to Fix Weak Wi-Fi Security – Step-by-Step

There are a few different ways to fix issues with weak Wi-Fi security, none of which require advanced levels of knowledge.

1. Adjust your router settings

Adjusting your router settings will look slightly different depending on which brand of router you’re using. For demonstrative purposes, we’re using an Arris router. Here’s how to adjust your router settings and enable a higher level of encryption:

Enter your router IP address into your web browser. This is usually 192.168. 0.1 by default but can differ on some routers.

Enter your router username and password to log in. Head to the security settings to see your current encryption level. On this Arris router, the settings are under connection > status.

Ensure that the recommended security mode is selected. In this case, it is WPA2-PSK (AES) – if your router is using any lower level, adjust this and click save.

Now reset your router (turn it off at the power, leave it off for 30 seconds, and then re-boot). It’s recommended that you disconnect and reconnect all devices.

2. Keep an eye on connected devices

Your Wi-Fi router should always have a secure password enabled, and never be ‘open’. An open router invites almost anybody to connect and is a huge security threat.

Only share your Wi-Fi password with people and devices you trust. Doing a frequent assessment and cleanup of connected devices is highly recommended to keep on top of your Wi-Fi security. Here’s how to do it:

  • Log in to your router using the instructions above.
  • Find ‘connected devices’ in the menu and look at which devices are connected to your WiFi network.
  • Manually disconnect any devices that you do not recognize or no longer want to be connected to. If you discover any unknown connections, it’s recommended that you change your network password so that all devices have to manually reconnect. In fact, we recommend changing your Wi-Fi password a couple of times a year to keep it secure.

3. Use an ethernet connection

If you have made all of these changes and are still not comfortable with your level of Wi-Fi security, another option is to switch to an ethernet connection. An ethernet, or cable connection, sends data via the ethernet port instead of wirelessly – making it significantly more difficult to penetrate.

By default, an ethernet connection is considered the safest way to browse the internet. However, by following the instructions in this article, there are few security risks to using Wi-Fi. As long as you have enabled the highest levels of encryption, do not share your network key, and keep an eye on the connected devices, there is no reason to avoid Wi-Fi.

What About Weak Security on Public Wi-Fi?

Unfortunately, the security measures on public Wi-Fi are not something you will have access to change. Public Wi-Fi networks are incredibly risky and should be avoided altogether.

If you have no other choice but to connect to a public network at the airport or a hotel, you should only ever do while using a VPN with high encryption standards. Even if the network is compromised, your personal information, browsing history, and IP address should remain safe.

Author Cliff Durward

Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids. I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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