Radar “Clutter” and Your Home Wi-Fi: Why Visibility Matters

Today’s headlines included the federal government pausing multiple offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns about radar interference and “clutter.” Reuters+1
That story is about turbines and defense systems but the lesson applies at home: when you can’t “see” clearly, threats slip through.

Why this matters to military families

Military households often have a crowded digital environment: new devices after moves, guest Wi-Fi during family visits, smart TVs, cameras, tablets, and gaming consoles. When everything shares one flat network, your digital perimeter becomes noisy and harder to protect.

Step 1: Stop running everything on one network

A single “all devices” network makes it easier for one compromised device to reach everything else.

How to do it:
Create a separate guest or “IoT” network for smart devices (TVs, cameras, speakers) and keep computers/phones on the main network.

Step 2: Replace default router settings (the PCS shortcut)

After a move, the temptation is to plug it in and go. Default settings are the digital version of leaving a door unlocked.

How to do it:
Change admin password, update firmware, disable remote admin if you don’t need it, and use WPA2/WPA3.

Step 3: Reduce “unknown devices” with a quick monthly check

If you don’t recognize what’s connected, you can’t defend it.

How to do it:
Once a month, open your router/app and review connected devices. Remove anything you don’t recognize.

Step 4: Keep updates boring and automatic

Attackers love outdated routers and unpatched smart devices.

How to do it:
Enable auto-updates where possible and schedule a monthly reminder to check router firmware.

Step 5: Don’t let guest access become permanent access

Visitors, babysitters, and “temporary” devices stick around longer than you think.

How to do it:
Use guest Wi-Fi for visitors and change the guest password after long visits.

Step 6: Protect your “command center” devices first

Your laptop and phone are the keys to the kingdom (email, banking, benefits, photos).

How to do it:
Use MFA, strong passcodes/biometrics, and keep endpoint protection updated.

Common Mistakes

• One Wi-Fi network for everything

• Router admin password never changed

• Old router carried through PCS moves for years

• Smart devices installed and forgotten

• Guest network left open permanently

Mission-Ready Checklist

• Main Wi-Fi + guest/IoT network separated

• Router firmware updated

• Admin password changed and stored securely

• Monthly device audit completed

• Guest password rotated as needed

• Primary devices (phone/laptop) hardened first

Want your home network “mission-ready”?

We help military families build a secure perimeter that follows them base to base so the home front stays protected through PCS moves, deployments, and upgrades. Take the Cyber Readiness Self-Assessment to get started.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or financial advice.