How to secure your Wi-Fi router
Securing your Wi-Fi router is important to protect your personal information and ensure that your Internet connection is not used without your permission. If your Wi-Fi router has been compromised, the hacker responsible for the attack may be able to eavesdrop on any communications you may have while connected.
For example, if you log into your online banking, social media or other accounts, it is possible that the hacker can see this information and intercept it for their benefit.
If you’re concerned about your privacy and want to protect yourself from a possible hack, here are some steps you can take to secure your router and protect your Wi-Fi:
Change the default login information
Many routers come with default login information, such as “admin” for the username and “password” for the password. Changing these to a unique username and strong password is essential to prevent unauthorized access.
WPA2 and WPA3 are some of the most robust encryption methods currently available for wireless networks. It is important to enable this encryption on your router to protect your personal information from being intercepted by hackers.
Disable remote access
Many modern Wi-Fi routers have a remote access feature that allows users to access their home Wi-Fi network from anywhere. Unless you need access to your router from a remote location, it is best to disable this feature to prevent unauthorized access to your router.
Restrict all access to your wireless network
One simple thing you can do to protect your Wi-Fi is to limit the number of people you give access to your Wi-Fi. This helps reduce the chances of your Wi-Fi credentials falling into the wrong hands.
Enable firewall
Firewalls are hardware or software that protect your network from unauthorized connections and incoming and outgoing traffic. While many apps and software have an authentication scheme, a firewall further protects a device. A firewall can also protect your Wi-Fi from denial-of-service (DoS) attacks that can flood your Wi-Fi network and prevent you from accessing apps or services.
Always keep your router’s firmware up to date
Wi-Fi router manufacturers release firmware updates every few months to fix security vulnerabilities and improve router performance. It’s important to keep your router’s firmware up-to-date to protect it from the latest security threats.
Change the default name of your router
Many routers come with standard network names that are easily identifiable, such as “linksys” or “netgear.” Many hackers will also try to use the default passwords provided by the network company, in an attempt to log into the Wi-Fi. Changing your network name to something unique can make it harder for hackers to find you and prevent them from trying to hack into your network.
Consider getting a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and can protect your personal information from being intercepted by hackers. Although a VPN does not protect your Wi-Fi router from being hacked, it does prevent hackers and other third parties, such as your ISP, from viewing online activity.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your router is secure and that your personal information is protected. However, it’s important to be aware that no security measure is foolproof, and it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for suspicious activity on your network.
