How do I know if my WiFi is secure?

Look at the label underneath your router: if the protocol shown is WPA2 or WPA3, your connection is encrypted. If it is WEP or no protocol is mentioned, your WiFi is vulnerable and should be secured immediately. You can also check on your computer: click the WiFi icon and look for 'Security' in the network properties.

Why change the default WiFi password on your router?

The default password is printed on your router's label. Anyone who enters your home (technician, cleaner, visitor) can see it and note it down. Additionally, some default passwords have been compromised in data breaches. A personalised password eliminates both risks.

What is WPA3 and should I enable it?

WPA3 is the latest WiFi encryption standard (adopted in 2018, widely deployed since 2022). It is more secure than WPA2 because it better protects against password-guessing attempts. If your router offers it, enable it. Otherwise, WPA2 remains acceptable with a good password.

How do I create a guest WiFi network at home?

A guest network is a separate WiFi for your visitors. It gives them internet access without access to your personal devices (computer, printer, cameras). On most routers, go to the admin interface, find the WiFi section, then Guest WiFi. Enable it, choose a name and password, and save.

Can my neighbour hack my WiFi?

With a strong WPA2 or WPA3 password (at least 12 characters, a mix of letters, numbers and symbols), the risk is extremely low. However, a WiFi network using the WEP protocol or a short password (fewer than 8 characters) can be compromised in minutes with freely available tools. Secure your network and the risk becomes negligible.

Securing Your WiFi: A Guide for Seniors in 2026

Your WiFi connection is the digital front door to your home. Just as you lock your front door with a key, it is important to secure your WiFi. The good news: it is neither complicated nor time-consuming. In 15 minutes, you can significantly strengthen your network’s security.

This guide walks you step by step, with instructions adapted to the most common routers in France: Orange (Livebox), Free (Freebox) and Bouygues Telecom (Bbox).

Why securing your WiFi matters

When your WiFi is unsecured or uses the default password, several risks exist:

A neighbour can use your connection. This is not just bandwidth theft. If that person uses your connection for illegal activities (downloading, fraud), it is your IP address that appears and it is at your door that the police will knock first.

Your data can be intercepted. On a poorly secured network, a malicious individual within range of your WiFi (approximately 30 metres, sometimes more) can potentially see the websites you visit or intercept unencrypted information.

Your connected devices become vulnerable. Security cameras, video doorbell, smart speaker: all these devices are accessible via your WiFi network. An unsecured network could allow an intruder to access your cameras or listen through your speaker.

According to Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr (2025 annual report), intrusions on home WiFi networks increased by 15% in one year. The majority involved networks where the default password had never been changed.

Step 1: Change the default WiFi password

This is the most important measure. The password printed on your router’s label is visible to anyone who visits your home. Changing it takes 5 minutes.

How to choose a good WiFi password

Your new WiFi password should be:

Long: at least 12 characters (ideally 16 or more)
Varied: mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
Memorable: use a personal phrase as a base

Example method: take a phrase you will never forget, such as “My granddaughter Louise is 7 years old since March”. Take the initials and add symbols: MgLi7yo!sM2026. That gives you a 14-character password that is both strong and memorable.

Practical tip: write down the new password on a piece of paper that you keep in a drawer (not stuck on the router). You will need it to reconnect your devices.

On the Livebox (Orange)

Open your internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar and press Enter
Enter the admin password (by default, it is on the router’s label, often called “security key” or “admin password”)
Go to the WiFi tab
Click Change WiFi password
Enter your new password
Click Save
Reconnect your devices with the new password

Important: after the change, all your devices (tablet, smartphone, smart speaker) will be disconnected. You will need to enter the new password on each one.

On the Freebox (Free)

Open the Freebox Connect app on your smartphone (download it from the App Store or Google Play Store if you do not have it)
Log in with your Free credentials
Go to WiFi Settings
Tap Password
Enter your new password
Confirm

You can also access the web interface by typing mafreebox.freebox.fr in your browser.

On the Bbox (Bouygues Telecom)

Open your internet browser
Type mabbox.bytel.fr in the address bar
Enter the admin password (on the router’s label)
Go to WiFi then Security
Change the password
Click Apply

Step 2: Check the security protocol (WPA2 or WPA3)

The security protocol is the encryption system that protects data travelling on your WiFi network. There are several levels:

WEP: old and vulnerable. A hacker can crack it in minutes. If your router uses WEP, change immediately.
WPA: better than WEP, but outdated.
WPA2: the current standard. Solid with a good password. This is the minimum acceptable level in 2026.
WPA3: the most recent and most secure. Enable it if your router offers it.

How to check and change the protocol

The protocol is changed in the same interface as the password (see the steps above). Look for a setting named “Security type”, “Encryption” or “Security mode”.

On the Livebox 5 or 6: in the WiFi tab, look for “Security mode”. Select WPA2/WPA3 if available, otherwise WPA2.

On the Freebox Pop or Ultra: in Freebox Connect, go to Advanced WiFi Settings. WPA3 is available on recent models.

On the Bbox Fibre Wi-Fi 6: in the web interface, WiFi section > Security. Choose WPA3 if offered.

Important note: if you enable WPA3, some older devices (old tablet, old smartphone) may no longer connect because they are not compatible. In this case, choose the “WPA2/WPA3 mixed” mode which accepts both types of devices.

Step 3: Change the network name (SSID)

Your WiFi network name (called SSID) is visible to your neighbours and passers-by. By default, it often contains your provider’s name and a number (e.g. “Livebox-A1B2” or “Freebox-123456”). This default name reveals your provider and your router model — information a hacker can exploit.

How to choose a good network name:

Avoid putting your name, address or flat number in it
Choose a neutral name that gives no information (e.g. “MyNetwork2026” or “WiFi_Home”)
Avoid humorous names that attract attention

Changing the SSID is done in the same interface as the password, in the WiFi section.

Step 4: Create a guest WiFi network

A guest network is a second WiFi network, separate from your main network. It allows your visitors (family, friends, home helper, technician) to connect to the internet without accessing your personal devices (computer, printer, cameras).

Why it is useful:

You do not need to give out your main WiFi password
Guest devices cannot see your files or cameras
You can disable the guest network when you no longer need it

Creating a guest network on the Livebox

Access the interface (192.168.1.1)
Go to WiFi then Guest WiFi
Enable the guest network
Give it a name (e.g. “WiFi_Guest”) and a password
Save

Creating a guest network on the Freebox

Open the Freebox Connect app
Go to Guest Network
Enable it, set a name and password
Confirm

Creating a guest network on the Bbox

Access the interface (mabbox.bytel.fr)
Go to WiFi then Guest Network
Enable, configure and confirm

Step 5: Check connected devices

It is useful to check from time to time which devices are connected to your network. If you see a device you do not recognise, it may be a neighbour using your WiFi.

How to see connected devices:

Livebox: in the interface (192.168.1.1), go to “My connected devices”
Freebox: in the Freebox Connect app, view the device list
Bbox: in the interface (mabbox.bytel.fr), “My devices” section

Each connected device shows its name (e.g. “Marie’s iPhone”, “Samsung Tablet”) and its MAC address (a unique technical identifier). If you see an unknown device, change your WiFi password: all devices will be disconnected and only those that know the new password will be able to reconnect.

The 5 mistakes to avoid

Keeping the default password: it is the first thing a hacker tries. Change it as soon as you set up your router.
Sticking the password on the router or screen: a visitor or technician can see it and photograph it.
Using a password that is too short: “12345678” or “password” can be guessed in seconds. Minimum 12 characters.
Ignoring router updates: providers send automatic security updates. If your router asks you to restart for an update, do it.
Leaving WPS enabled permanently: WPS is a button on your router that allows connecting a device without typing the password. It is convenient but vulnerable. Only enable it when you need it, then disable it.

In summary: your WiFi security checklist

Here are the actions to complete, ranked by priority:

Change the default WiFi password (at least 12 characters)
Check that the protocol is WPA2 or WPA3
Change the network name (SSID) to something neutral
Create a guest network for visitors
Check the list of connected devices
Disable WPS when it is not in use

These 6 actions take between 15 and 30 minutes in total. They considerably reduce the risk of intrusion on your home network.

If you need help, do not hesitate to ask a relative or call your provider’s technical support: Orange (3900), Free (3244), Bouygues Telecom (1064).

Editorial note

Sources consulted: Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr (2025 annual report, WiFi recommendations), ANSSI (IT hygiene guide, 2024), Wi-Fi Alliance (WPA3 specifications, 2024), Orange (Livebox documentation, 2025), Free (Freebox documentation, 2025), Bouygues Telecom (Bbox documentation, 2025).

Limitations of this guide: router admin interfaces evolve with software updates. Screenshots and menu paths may differ slightly from your version. This guide covers the most common routers in France (Orange, Free, Bouygues) but not SFR or alternative providers. Instructions are valid for recent router models.

Verification date: 16 April 2026

Conflicts of interest: none. This guide does not contain affiliate links.

Questions fréquentes

: Look at the label underneath your router: if the protocol shown is WPA2 or WPA3, your connection is encrypted. If it is WEP or no protocol is mentioned, your WiFi is vulnerable and should be secured immediately. You can also check on your computer: click the WiFi icon and look for 'Security' in the network properties.
: The default password is printed on your router's label. Anyone who enters your home (technician, cleaner, visitor) can see it and note it down. Additionally, some default passwords have been compromised in data breaches. A personalised password eliminates both risks.
: WPA3 is the latest WiFi encryption standard (adopted in 2018, widely deployed since 2022). It is more secure than WPA2 because it better protects against password-guessing attempts. If your router offers it, enable it. Otherwise, WPA2 remains acceptable with a good password.
: A guest network is a separate WiFi for your visitors. It gives them internet access without access to your personal devices (computer, printer, cameras). On most routers, go to the admin interface, find the WiFi section, then Guest WiFi. Enable it, choose a name and password, and save.
: With a strong WPA2 or WPA3 password (at least 12 characters, a mix of letters, numbers and symbols), the risk is extremely low. However, a WiFi network using the WEP protocol or a short password (fewer than 8 characters) can be compromised in minutes with freely available tools. Secure your network and the risk becomes negligible.