What Is an SSID: How to Find and Secure It

July 29, 2024 By Janne Smith No Comments 8 minutes

According to Forbes, 5.35 billion people globally use the Internet. But despite its proliferation, many don’t know about SSID. Explaining what is an SSID: It’s an abbreviation for Service Set Identifier. It’s the WiFi name you see after setting up the router. For example, when sipping on a hot latte, the cafe’s WiFi pops up with the name “Marie’s Cafe.” That’s an SSID.

If you’re new to this, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll explain what is an SSID and how to find it on your different devices. We’ll also explore the common questions about SSID meaning and wrap up with ways to secure it and the FAQs. Let’s dive in!

Note: Your SSID can be the access point for the black hats. And despite hiding it, your IP address will still be detectable. However, configuring the WiFi router with FastestVPN conceals your IP address so that it never gets into the hands of the black hats.

What Is an SSID and What Does It Do?

Wondering what is SSID? As the name says, it works as a network identifier. Simply put, it’s the WiFi name you see on your device when scanning for nearby networks. Or, when sitting at a public library, you might see a public WiFi appear. Illustrating the SSID meaning, this can be something like “ XYZ Public Library.” And that’s the Service Set Identifier.

It works as a signal for other devices scanning a nearby WiFi network. This can be any name; you can set it up or change it whenever you want. Moreover, most devices save the Service Set Identifier so they can connect to the same WiFi network more easily in the future.

A few WiFi networks offer elevated security via the WPA2 and WPA3 protocols. Meaning, users must enter the password and the WiFi key to connect to the network instead of automatically connecting.

What Is the Difference Between WPA and SSID?

Now that you know What is SSID and the SSID meaning, let’s jump to WPA. While Service Set Identifier is only the network identifier, i.e., the name of your WiFi network. WPA is a security protocol. Delving into the basic details, here’s the difference between WPA and SSID:

How Do I Find My Internet SSID?

The steps for finding your Internet Service Set Identifier vary on your device. Here’s a list of different devices and ways to find the Internet SSID on them:

On iOS and Android phone

Here’s how to find the network SSID on your iOS device:

• Go to device Settings. Select WiFi.”
• Find a network SSID with a checkmark beside it. That’s your Internet SSID.

On Router

Finding the SSID on the router slightly differs from finding it on other devices. Check the bottom of the router, and you’ll see a sticker. The sticker will have the SSID and WiFi password written on it. However, the mentioned Service Set Identifier and key aren’t valid if they’ve been previously changed. You’ll have to find the SSID via device settings to do so. Here’s how you can do that:

• Go to your preferred browser on your phone or computer.
• Type your router’s IP address and press Enter.
• Log in with your credentials.
• Navigate WiFi Settings>SSID.

On Mac

Finding the SSID is quite simple for all devices other than the router. Here’s how to find it on your macOS:

• Navigate the WiFi icon from the upper right of the screen and click on it.
• You’ll see a blue WiFi icon next to the network you’re connected to. That’s the Service Set Identifier.

On Windows

Here’s how to find the SSID on your Windows:

• Click on the WiFi icon from the bottom-left of the screen.
• You’ll see a list of SSIDs. However, the topmost will be your Internet Service Set Identifier.

Why Is My SSID Not Showing Up

At times, you may be unable to find your Internet Service Set Identifier. There are various reasons for this.

Reasons for SSID Not Showing Up

Here are the common reasons why Service Set Identifiermight not be showing up on your device:

• The SSID is concealed (configured by the owner)
• The device is out of range
• The router is malfunctioning
•  Wi-Fi is disabled
• The device’s network adapter is faulty

Troubleshooting the Error

Here’s how to troubleshoot the error of SSID not showing up:

• Move nearer to the router, or use a wireless extender
• Restart the device and update the drivers
• Ensure the Service Set Identifier is visible
• Make sure no objects or appliances are obstructing the SSID hotspot
• Reboot the router
• Confirm the network name
• Reboot the router to factory settings (this will revert the SSID to its default name)

Can 2 Wi-Fi Networks Have the Same SSID?

Yes, two WiFi networks can have the same Service Set Identifier , and that’s where you buckle up for a great deal of confusion. For example, you’re at your friend’s place and try connecting to their WiFi, but it keeps saying, “Password Incorrect.” That’s due to the similar SSIDs of different WiFi networks.

However, if networks with the same SSID are passwordless, then the devices connect to the network to the one with stronger signals. Moreover, black hats often keep similar SSIDs to facilitate data theft. When there are 2 WiFi networks with similar SSID, you might connect to the one broadcast by the black hats. And, once you connect, you become a victim of a cyber attack.

How to Change SSID Name?

You can generally change the SSID name via the router settings. However, the process may differ depending on the router’s brand. To do this, type your router’s IP address in the browser’s search bar, head to the router’s settings > WiFi settings, and change the SSID name.

If not WiFi settings, it can also be WLAN or any other term that refers to the wireless network’s security. After changing the SSID from the router’s settings, you must restart the router to complete the process.

Depending on the router’s brand, you can also change the SSID from your device via the router app. Alternatively, you can easily access the router settings via the phone app instead of the browser.

Is It a Good Idea to Hide SSID?

It’s good to hide the network Service Set Identifier, but it’s not a foolproof idea for circumventing all cyber threats. This will only offer you a fraction of security. Doing so will prevent your network from being visible to the black hats that want to get an access hint to intercept the network or replicate the Service Set Identifierand steal other users’ data.

To conceal your Service Set Identifier from public view, disable the Service Set Identifier broadcast in your router settings. Note that hiding your Service Set Identifier won’t conceal your IP address and has minimal impact on overall cybersecurity—skilled individuals can still monitor your network traffic with the right tools.

However, using FastestVPN is your best help. We recommend manually configuring the router with the VPN to ensure all connected devices leverage ultimate security. Doing so will conceal your IP address and offer a new one, depending on the server you connect to.

How Do You Secure the SSID?

According to a report by Statista, in 2022, most respondents in the United States reported never changing their Wi-Fi password after setting it up. However, 22 percent of respondents said they changed it monthly. Now that you know what is SSID and the potential dangers of never changing the Service Set Identifier, here are 3 ways to secure your network:

1. Use a VPN

Despite hiding the Service Set Identifier, you’re still prone to a potential cyber attack, and that’s where a VPN comes in as your best help. However, you must only get a reliable VPN, like the FastestVPN. You can manually configure the router with the VPN, and this will ensure that all your WiFi-connected devices are secure from cyber threats.

2. Use a Strong Password

It’s best to change the WiFi password every three months and ensure it’s a strong password that includes numbers, letters, and alphanumerics. This will ensure that the new password is hard to guess for black hats.

3. Check for Router Updates

Router manufacturers frequently update firmware to address bugs, vulnerabilities, and other security threats. You can stry setting a monthly reminder to check for the router updates.

Wrapping Up

This article covered everything about what is SSID. From SSID meaning to securing it, we’ve walked you through all. Despite the security tips suggested, we highly recommend configuring the WiFi router with FastestVPN. This will ensure all devices connected to the same WiFi network will remain protected from potential cyber attacks.

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