How to Prevent Hackers from Breaking into Your Wi-Fi Network

Most people have one or more Wi-Fi networks in their homes. Others use apps like Wi-Fi map to get access to millions of free hotspots which can be found everywhere in the world.

But let’s assume that you run your own Wi-Fi network, and you are interested in hardening its security. The first step is to set a strong router password.

Some people don’t even bother to change the default router password. Others may do it, but they set a weak password, and then they forget it. If you fall into the latter category, you will need to reset your router.

router-reset-switch

The good news is that almost any router in existence comes with a reset switch. It’s usually a recessed button that can be pushed using a paperclip. So locate that tiny hole in your router’s case, and then push that switch for about 20 seconds to reset the router to its default settings.

Okay, I hear you. You threw the manual away together with the router box the very same day you’ve installed your router. So now you don’t know your router’s default password. If this is the case, head over to routerpasswords.com and you will hopefully find the needed password.

find-default-router-password

It’s time to log into the admin panel and set a strong password that will prevent hackers from getting access to your router.

Pro tip: stay away from routers that come with a built-in network password. They’re usually offered by your ISP, but since the Wi-Fi password can’t be changed, it’s easy for a hacker to get into your network anytime he or she wants to.

We are now ready to change the Wi-Fi password. Believe it or not, this is the easiest method that prevents hackers from getting access to our computers, devices and files. And if you change it every few months or so, you have already won 99% of the battle against them.

Many hackers use Aircrack to try and get your Wi-Fi password. This piece of software has been the hackers’ friend for many years, being responsible for many WEP password cracks. Still, the newest version of the tool can also crack WPA – PSK keys.

Aircrack is not easy to use, but it’s a useful tool if you plan to run comprehensive security tests on your Wi-Fi network. You’ll need a couple of RP-SMA cables and a pack of high gain antennas if you want to run your test from a distance, the way these tests are usually done.

high-gain-router-antennas

It’s important to understand that Aircrack only works with Wi-Fi adapters that support packet injection, though.

Kali is a free, Linux based network penetration set of tools. Hackers use it to try and get into other people’s networks, but you can use it to test and harden your network security. And the good news is that Kali can boot from an USB stick, so there’s no need to install it on your computer.

kali-linux

Armed with this info and tools, I am sure that you’ll be able to run your own network security tests, preventing other people from logging into your Wi-Fi network.

Tech News

 

Apple Starts to Sell Refurbished iPhones

I can still remember my first iPhone. In fact, I don’t have to remember too many things about it, because I still have it. And last time I checked it, it was well and alive. Sure, it started to run slower and slower as I installed newer and newer versions of iOS on it, but what could you expect from an ancient iPhone 3GS model?

Apple sells expensive phones, anyone knows that. But the good news is that the company started to sell refurbished iPhones a few days ago.

refurbished-phones

So if you are interested in saving $100 or so, you can purchase an iPhone 6S or an iPhone 6S Plus at a price that ranges from $449 to $589. You’re saving about 15% off the retail price, and you are also getting the standard one year warranty from Apple.

 

Vivo X9 and Vivo X9 Plus Will be Launched in November

Vivo, one of the top Chinese smartphone manufacturers, has recently announced that it will launch two new phones in November. So what’s so special about these phones, you may wonder? For starters, they will feature a dual camera setup on their front, and this is a unique feature indeed.

Then, the Vivo X9 with sport a full metal body, with an antenna that’s going to be similar with what Apple has invented a few years ago. Another unique feature is the extra thin bezel, which will have a width of under 0.1 inches – how cool is that?

The display will be protected by a layer of world-famous Corning Gorrilla Glass 5. The phone will also include a USB Type-C port and – thank you, Vivo! – a standard 3.5 audio jack.

The Vivo X9 Plus phone will have a dual camera setup on its back as well. The memory will be boosted from 4 to 6 GB for this model.

It’s an exciting news, and I look forward to seeing how will this phone look like. It could be the first one that makes the transition to an era of bezel-less phones.

 

Xiaomi Piston 3 Pro In-Ear Headphones Launched

Xiaomi, another important Chinese company, has created an impressive pair of in-ear headphones that aren’t expensive at all. Named Piston 3 Pro, the earphones will be shipped with four different pairs of earplugs and a travel bag, and they will only cost $22.

The earphones come with in-line switches that can play, pause, or change the current music track. They have a 4.1 feet tangle-free cable, which should be long enough for most people’s needs.

xiaomi-piston3

According to the manufacturer, these headphones will only weigh 0.037 pounds – that’s not an error! – and they’ll have a frequency range that starts at 20 Hz and ends at 40 kHz. I don’t know about you, but this is a pair of headphones that I look forward to testing.