Securing your Wi-Fi router is essential in protecting your personal information and ensuring 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 communication you might have while connected.
For example, if you log into your online banking, social media, or any other accounts, it’s possible that the hacker can see this information and intercept it to 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 credentials
Many routers come with default login credentials, 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’s 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 lets users access their home’s Wi-Fi network from anywhere. Unless you need to access your router from a remote location, it is best to disable this feature to prevent unauthorized access to your router.
Limit any access to your wireless network
One simple thing you can do to protect your Wi-Fi is to limit the number of people that 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 any apps or services.
Always keep your router firmware updated
Wi-Fi router manufacturers release firmware updates every few months to fix security vulnerabilities and improve the router’s performance. It is important to keep your router’s firmware updated to protect it against the latest security threats.
Change the default name of your router
Many routers come with default network names that are easily identifiable, such as “linksys” or “netgear.” Many hackers will attempt to use the default passwords provided by the network company, too, in an attempt to log into your Wi-Fi. Changing your network name to something unique can make it more difficult for hackers to find you and prevent them from attempting 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. While a VPN doesn’t protect your Wi-Fi router from getting hacked, it prevents hackers and other third-parties, like your internet provider, from seeing any online activity.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your router is secure and that your personal information is protected. However, it is vital to be aware that no security measure is foolproof, and it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for suspicious activity on your network.