Regardless if you have just bought a new router or have one at home already, you can’t escape the fact that it’s the gateway to the internet and possible cyber threats. The latter is definitely what you should avoid. However, not all people pay enough attention to securing router from cyber threats. The reality is that if your router is not equipped with the necessary defenses, your network will sooner or later become a target for hackers.
A lot of people who have routers don’t know or care much about cybersecurity. From letting routers run on outdated operating systems to using default passwords, it seems that people are asking for trouble. With security practices like this, it is no surprise that the number of attacks on home networks has gone through the roof.
Letting your network get hacked is neither fun nor desired, especially when it could have been easily avoided. So, if you don’t want this to happen to your network, read on to learn how to secure your router from hackers.
Start by Assessing the Current Router Status
Before you integrate extra cybersecurity measures to protect your router, investigate it first and see what’s happening inside. After all, why go into trouble trying to protect it with additional security measures when it’s vulnerable from within?
Update Router’s Firmware
Cybercriminals can easily access routers with unpatched firmware. But how so? The answer is simple: As soon as a router manufacturer releases firmware updates, hackers can quickly find flaws that the manufacturer has fixed. This means that routers that haven’t been updated yet will remain vulnerable.
While some patches might fall into the “nice-to-have” category, there are cases when they are dedicated to fixing critical vulnerabilities. Even if you’re unsure what’s being addressed with new firmware updates, don’t risk ignoring them. That said, the first thing you should do is check your router’s firmware version. If an update is available, install it right away.
Review Your Router’s Security Settings
If your router runs on factory settings, it’s a major flaw. These settings are usually publicly documented and provide little to no security, making it easy for hackers to access your router.
Strengthen the router’s security by setting your Wi-Fi encryption to WPA3. Review the firewall settings and disable the option to manage the router remotely. If you want to share your Wi-Fi with others, set up a guest network that’s separate from the rest of your network. This ensures that even if those using your guest network fall victim to cyberattacks, your main network will remain unaffected.
See Who’s Using Your Network
It may seem unusual, but checking who’s connected to your network is worth your time. It only takes a few seconds; however, it could uncover unwanted intruders. If you spot unfamiliar devices, it’s a clear sign that your network might have security gaps waiting to be exploited.
Let Cybersecurity Tools Take the Wheel
Now that you have investigated your router and cleared any possible threats from within, see which cybersecurity tools can make your network even more resistant to cyberattacks.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Configuring a VPN on your router masks your entire network by changing its IP address and encrypting all data from connected devices. This means that even if a hacker gains access, they cannot extract any useful information because it’s encrypted by the VPN.
Plus, VPN-enabled routers help prevent your ISP from slowing down your internet. When you’re gaming or streaming a lot, ISPs might reduce your speeds. But with a VPN, your IP address stays hidden, so they can’t see what you’re doing or throttle your connection.
Firewall Software
Most routers come with built-in firewalls, but their security is relatively basic. If you’re thinking about adding an extra firewall to your router, first ensure it’s compatible, then definitely go ahead and install one.
Third-party firewalls offer much more advanced protection. They provide greater control over data traffic and give you a clearer view of your network activity. If a suspicious file tries to enter your network, the firewall will block it immediately.
Password Generators
Surprisingly, over 80% of people never change the default router password. This is shockingly bad news since manufacturers don’t give their users robust passwords. Knowing this, the best thing you can do for your router is to change its password—and do it regularly.
While crucial, creating new passwords from now and then is time-consuming and challenging to keep track of. So, when you don’t want to bother doing this task, use password generators.
Using a password generator when accessing your router’s interface is a game-changer. With just a few clicks, these tools create complex passwords and store them securely on their servers. Whenever you need to log into your router, the generator provides you with the account credentials required.
DNS-Based Security Services
Configure your router to support DNS-based security services if you don’t want anyone from your network to access suspicious websites or fall for phishing attacks. Such services will ensure that no one from your network accesses malicious websites and infects your end devices with malware or viruses.
Your Router is All Set
We already told you that your router opens the door to everything, good and bad. So, the only way to avoid a cyberattack is to keep your router as safe as possible.
Know what’s going on with your router. Make sure it has up-to-date firmware with security-focused settings, and don’t give internet access to someone you don’t know. Then, you can set up, use, and install security tools and measures that take your router’s safety to a whole new level.
Use a VPN to encrypt your whole network, try third-party firewalls for more detailed network traffic control, use the best password managers to generate strong router passwords, and set up DNS-based security services to avoid dangerous websites. Once you’ve applied all these measures, hackers will find your router and network much less appealing to breach.
