What Is An SSID?

The term SSID, or Service Set Identifier, may not be a familiar one, but it serves as a fundamental element in wireless networking. In today’s digitally interconnected world, where it seems as though almost everything relies on wireless connectivity, the importance of SSIDs quickly becomes apparent. Whether you’re linking your laptop, mobile phone, or any other Wi-Fi-enabled device to a network, the SSID typically appears in the roster of available networks. Intrigued to learn more? In this article, we explore the ins and outs of SSIDs.

What Is An SSID (Service Set Identifier)?

A Service Set Identifier, or SSID, is essentially a way to identify a wireless network. While you might not be familiar with the term, chances are you see and even utilise SSIDs every day.

An SSID is the name assigned to a Wi-Fi network when a router is set up, hence why SSIDs are sometimes referred to as a ‘network name’. This name is what allows devices to identify and connect to the network, particularly valuable when operating in a space where there are multiple networks such as within a business or other public place, though SSIDs can also be used for home networks.

How Can You Find Your SSID

To connect to an SSID, the first step is to ensure that your device’s Wi-Fi settings are enabled, typically found in the device settings menu.

Once Wi-Fi is switched on, you’ll encounter a list of available networks in the Wi-Fi menu. To locate your specific SSID, you’ll need to know its name as it serves as the identifier. As long as you have this, locating your SSID will be a straightforward process on most devices.

Why Is SSID Important For Your Wi-Fi Network?

Given their integral role in wireless connectivity, it’s no surprise that SSIDs hold significant importance. Once established, they serve as gateways to Wi-Fi access, enabling users in the area to connect to the internet. As long as they have the correct name of the SSID, users can easily connect to their intended network without the risk of inadvertently joining those of a similar name.

Especially in places that can get congested, such as public spaces or workplaces, where numerous users require network access, the importance of SSIDs is emphasised. After all, if several people are trying to connect to the same network, things are bound to get a little sluggish. Consequently, SSIDs help to ease network congestion, enhancing the overall user experience.

Furthermore, establishing distinct SSIDs for different segments of a network can enable efficient troubleshooting. By isolating network issues to specific SSIDs, problems can be swiftly identified and addressed, ensuring optimal network performance.

Why Should You Change Your SSID?

As mentioned, an SSID is a way to identify a wireless network, and it is typically assigned a default name upon setup. So, why change this name? Not only does personalising the SSID make it more memorable and distinctive, but it also plays a crucial role in bolstering digital security.

Default SSIDs are often targeted by hackers due to the assumption that their owners may have neglected to secure their home networks. Once infiltrated, it can be very easy for unwanted third parties to gain access to and steal sensitive data from the devices connected to the network. Therefore, upon setting up an SSID, it’s imperative to promptly change its network name to enhance security measures.

How To Change SSID

Fortunately, changing an SSID network name is a straightforward process. Simply go to your router’s network settings through the console in your web browser. Type the router’s IP address into the address bar, navigate to the wireless menu options and locate the SSID field. Then, enter your desired Wi-Fi name here.

Upon selecting a name, click save and exit reassured by the heightened protection your network now enjoys against hackers and other unwanted third parties. Just make sure to go for a name that’s as hacker-resistant as possible by making it longer and incorporating a combination of numbers and letters to enhance its uniqueness. It may be worthwhile changing this every few months to maintain your digital security.

After making these adjustments, you may need to reboot your router and reconnect all devices to the new Wi-Fi SSID network.

Hidden Networks: How To Find If An SSID Is Hidden

It is indeed possible to hide SSIDs, a feature found in some routers where the hidden network option is enabled in settings. Once hidden, SSIDs will stop broadcasting themselves and, as a result, won’t pop up in the name of nearby available networks.

This hiding capability is often employed for added security, reducing the risk of attacks from hackers and other threats as well as helping to prevent unauthorised access attempts. However, it’s important to note that hiding SSIDs doesn’t provide absolute security, as there are methods to uncover hidden networks. Nowadays, numerous readily available network scanners and specialised software tools can easily detect hidden SSIDs.

Once identified, it is subsequently possible to connect to hidden networks provided you have their name and password. Once detected, it may show up as a ‘hidden network’ in your network settings, which can then be accessed by entering its details. The procedure varies depending on your operating system, whether it’s macOS, Windows, and so on.

How To Protect Your SSID

Having already touched on some tips to enhance the safety of your SSID, let’s delve deeper into the details.

• Change & Securely Store Passwords: Make sure to make the initial change to your password from the default one, and then continue to update it every few months. Make sure not to store this password (or any other password) on your device where it can be stolen. Consider using password vaults or even going old-school and writing them down
• Establish Guest Network: Whether it’s for your home Wi-Fi or a public establishment like a cafe, consider creating a separate guest network. This provides visitors with internet access while keeping your main network secure from potential threats
• Enable Encryption: Strengthen your network security by enabling robust encryption protocols such as WPA2 or WPA3. This impedes unauthorised access and safeguards your data from interception and decryption by malicious entities
• Use a virtual private network (VPN): Enhance your online security with a VPN, which offers an additional layer of protection against hackers and cyber threats. By masking your IP address and encrypting internet traffic, a VPN ensures privacy and defends against data breaches

Just as SSIDs are crucial to secure wireless networking, VPNs are key to enhanced privacy and anonymity online. Understanding the importance of both is vital for maintaining the integrity and security of your wireless network and online activities in an increasingly interconnected world