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From WPA2 to guest networks and upgrades, here’s how to protect your router
The day of using non-wireless routers to connect to the Internet is long gone. In the last few years, they have been replaced by Wi-Fi-enabled devices that are convenient but also dangerous to our data.
If you don’t take proper security measures, Wi-Fi routers can be hacked. Before we explain how to protect them, it is worth saying a few words about the most common threats. Over the years, and especially more recently, a number of disadvantages have been discovered in some of the most widely used routers. The vulnerabilities, irrespective of their origin, allow third parties to easily access your home network. As a result, anyone can monitor internet traffic and thus capture even very sensitive data such as passwords or banking details. Given the dangers of a wireless connection, learn how to protect yourself.
Improving the security of a home Wi-Fi router is not that difficult. You just need to pay attention to a few important details that are often downplayed by most people.
Use WPA2
First, check that your Wi-Fi router supports WPA2, which offers a higher level of security. This standard encrypts data transmission, preventing unauthorized access. Make sure it is active on your home device.
Change default credentials
Almost all routers have default passwords provided by various ISPs or Wi-Fi device manufacturers. It is very important to change them. The reason is quite simple: cyber criminals will be able to guess them very quickly.
Hide your home network
Be smart: don’t let hackers identify your Wi-Fi network. Rename. There is also another reason. If you have a router model in your home that is known to be vulnerable to attacks, you are successfully handing it over to hackers who could use these vulnerabilities to compromise your device.
Disable WPS
Many experts recommend that you disable WPS, which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This standard allows users to quickly connect to the router without entering a password.
Check for updates
As mentioned above, hackers often use vulnerabilities in your router to compromise Wi-Fi devices. Some of these vulnerabilities can also be found in the remote access system through which users control the device. Manufacturers often release updates to remove these dangerous “holes”. Check for new updates and download them as needed.
Disable remote access
For the reasons explained above, it is recommended to disable remote access, preferring an Ethernet cable connection.
Change frequency to 5 GHz band
Apart from the technical aspect (a router with a 5 GHz band has more radio channels for data transmission), the 5 GHz frequency has a certain limitation, which is also a strong point from the point of view of IT security: the signal radiated by this band has a smaller range than the one transmitted by a frequency of 2.4 GHz. As a result, only people in close proximity to the router can intercept the wireless network.
Use a guest network
Some routers allow you to create a guest network. It is a network with limited functionality compared to the main network. In particular, it prevents guests from accessing the main network to which many “sensitive” devices may be connected. There is no need to give our “guest” the password to the router. It is also possible to set a timeout after which the network will stop working.
