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If you are sufficiently motivated and take into account all of the above, you can easily increase the security level of your router and your home network as a whole.
The router helps distribute your Internet connection among all devices on your network, but at the same time carries additional risks and threats, as attackers become more advanced in terms of spreading malware, ransomware, and implementing other network attack scenarios.
In March, it was reported that hackers used vulnerable and accessible routers to redirect users to a malicious application dedicated to the COVID-19 virus in order to steal personal data. There is a natural question of how to protect yourself from threats of this kind. At first glance, it may seem that the task is not so trivial, but you can take some steps to improve the security of your router and Wi-Fi network.
1. Check your router settings
The first step to take is to check your router's security-related settings. Many users leave the standard configuration, unaware that these parameters can be changed. The specific settings depend on the model, but all routers have options for improving security.
To access the settings, you must log in using the data that comes with the router (usually an IP address and password). First of all, you should change the password to a more complex one, so that attackers can not simply log in to your network.
2. Change the name of the Wi-Fi network
The next step is to change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID). If you leave the default name, it makes it easier to find your network by scanning.
3. Disable broadcasting the network name
This parameter, used for connecting to Wi-Fi (for example, coffee shops, libraries, or hotels), should be in the settings of your router. In the case of a home network, this kind of function is not necessary. After disconnecting, your network will not be in the public list.
4. Enable network encryption
Many routers have this feature, but it is disabled by default. WPA2 encryption must be available.
5. Check if the router has a guest network
This does not mean that your friends will not be safe when connecting to your network, but if you give access to the guest network instead of the home network, you will increase the overall security level of the main network.
You don't need to distribute the network password right and left in any case, and if you can distribute the Internet while keeping your home network safe, you should take advantage of this opportunity.
6. Check the firewall settings
All 2-or 3-channel routers have a built-in firewall, which, however, can be disabled. A software firewall is designed to protect your network from intrusions. If the router does not have a built-in firewall, you should purchase another router or a separate device with firewall functions.
7. Use a VPN
VPN (virtual private network) is used to encrypt communications originating from the network. The scheme of work is associated with mixing incoming and outgoing communications, so that no one can understand the essence of the transmitted information. As soon as the data arrives on your computer, the VPN decrypts it.
8. Update your software and firmware in a timely manner
From time to time, manufacturers update the software and firmware of devices, as well as publish information about new malware and viruses. When you upgrade your system, you become protected from new threats. When new patches appear, especially in the field of security, try not to delay the update in a long box.
9. Turn off the router
If you plan to be offline for a while, you can also turn off the router. However, this method may be inconvenient if you do not live alone, because after disconnecting, no one will be able to use your network.
10. Buy a new router
How old is your router? Older models don't have many of the security features that newer routers do. Buying a new router will not only increase the security of your network, but also possibly increase the speed of the Internet.
If you are sufficiently motivated and take into account all of the above, you can easily increase the security level of your router and your home network as a whole.
The router helps distribute your Internet connection among all devices on your network, but at the same time carries additional risks and threats, as attackers become more advanced in terms of spreading malware, ransomware, and implementing other network attack scenarios.
In March, it was reported that hackers used vulnerable and accessible routers to redirect users to a malicious application dedicated to the COVID-19 virus in order to steal personal data. There is a natural question of how to protect yourself from threats of this kind. At first glance, it may seem that the task is not so trivial, but you can take some steps to improve the security of your router and Wi-Fi network.
1. Check your router settings
The first step to take is to check your router's security-related settings. Many users leave the standard configuration, unaware that these parameters can be changed. The specific settings depend on the model, but all routers have options for improving security.
To access the settings, you must log in using the data that comes with the router (usually an IP address and password). First of all, you should change the password to a more complex one, so that attackers can not simply log in to your network.
2. Change the name of the Wi-Fi network
The next step is to change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID). If you leave the default name, it makes it easier to find your network by scanning.
3. Disable broadcasting the network name
This parameter, used for connecting to Wi-Fi (for example, coffee shops, libraries, or hotels), should be in the settings of your router. In the case of a home network, this kind of function is not necessary. After disconnecting, your network will not be in the public list.
4. Enable network encryption
Many routers have this feature, but it is disabled by default. WPA2 encryption must be available.
5. Check if the router has a guest network
This does not mean that your friends will not be safe when connecting to your network, but if you give access to the guest network instead of the home network, you will increase the overall security level of the main network.
You don't need to distribute the network password right and left in any case, and if you can distribute the Internet while keeping your home network safe, you should take advantage of this opportunity.
6. Check the firewall settings
All 2-or 3-channel routers have a built-in firewall, which, however, can be disabled. A software firewall is designed to protect your network from intrusions. If the router does not have a built-in firewall, you should purchase another router or a separate device with firewall functions.
7. Use a VPN
VPN (virtual private network) is used to encrypt communications originating from the network. The scheme of work is associated with mixing incoming and outgoing communications, so that no one can understand the essence of the transmitted information. As soon as the data arrives on your computer, the VPN decrypts it.
8. Update your software and firmware in a timely manner
From time to time, manufacturers update the software and firmware of devices, as well as publish information about new malware and viruses. When you upgrade your system, you become protected from new threats. When new patches appear, especially in the field of security, try not to delay the update in a long box.
9. Turn off the router
If you plan to be offline for a while, you can also turn off the router. However, this method may be inconvenient if you do not live alone, because after disconnecting, no one will be able to use your network.
10. Buy a new router
How old is your router? Older models don't have many of the security features that newer routers do. Buying a new router will not only increase the security of your network, but also possibly increase the speed of the Internet.
If you are sufficiently motivated and take into account all of the above, you can easily increase the security level of your router and your home network as a whole.