SSID, or Network Name, is one of the networking concepts that generates the most doubts among users, especially those with less knowledge and experience. From a basic point of view, it is, as we have already said, a name used for identify our Wi-Fi networkand allows us to distinguish it from others when we search for networks in a certain area.

That way, when you look for a connection to your network, it will be identified by the name it has. This network name is also associated with the password you used, which means you want to join both elements must match. By making the network name visible, you don’t have to enter it, you’ll just have to select it and enter the password, nothing else.

It is certainly the most convenient way to connect to the network and represents clear value in those areas where there is usually a constant flow of people, but we have to expect that it will reduce the security of our network, significantly. The reason is very simple, the visible network name removes the natural security layer that could strengthen the protection of our Wi-Fi network.

I will explain it to you in a very simple way. If we have a visible network name, an attacker could identify the network and launch constant attacks to try to connect based on trial and error (enter common passwords without stopping until successful). Disadvantages if we didn’t have visible network name that the attacker will first need to find out the name of the network in order to perform attacks and you also need to know the password.

Hiding the network name in most cases adds a very valuable layer of security to our Wi-Fi connection. especially if we live in neighboring municipalities, as this can make it easier to discover passwords and networks by association once we’re dealing with them. As I have told you on previous occasions, I myself suffered a neighbor’s intrusion into my network a few years ago.

So is it a good idea to have the SSID disabled as it improves security?

In most cases, yes, it is.. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this method isn’t perfect, as there are unfortunately free tools and apps out there can be used to display hidden networks, something that greatly reduced the value offered by disabling the network name as a security measure.

However, not everyone knows these tools exist, and it’s not that its use is really accessible to those without minimal knowledge. I’d generally prefer to leave it disabled, as it ultimately represents a clear value against most possible intruders who have more limited knowledge.

In those environments where there is a lot of movement of people or if we have many visits and often, it can be more inconvenient because if we want to share Wi-Fi, they will have to enter the network name manually. In these cases, it is best to resort to ka Wi-Fi network for guests.

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