Secure Your Router: A Home Guide

TL;DR

Change your router’s default username and password, update its firmware regularly, enable a strong firewall, use WPA3 encryption for Wi-Fi, disable remote access if you don’t need it, and consider using a guest network. These steps significantly improve your home cyber security.

1. Change the Default Username & Password

This is the most important step! Hackers know common default logins.

1. Find Your Router’s Address: Usually, it’s 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Type this into your web browser. If neither works, check your router’s manual or search online for your model.
2. Log In: Use the default username (often ‘admin’) and password (often ‘password’, ‘admin’, or blank).
3. Find Admin Settings: Look for a section called “Administration”, “System Tools”, or similar.
4. Change Credentials: Create a strong, unique password. Use a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down securely!

2. Update Router Firmware

Firmware is the software that runs your router. Updates fix security holes.

1. Check for Updates: In your router’s admin settings, look for a “Firmware Upgrade”, “Update System”, or similar option.
2. Download & Install: The router should automatically check for updates and guide you through the process. Do not turn off the router during this!
3. Automatic Updates (if available): Enable automatic firmware updates if your router supports it.

3. Enable & Configure Your Firewall

The firewall blocks unwanted access to your network.

1. Find the Firewall Settings: In your admin settings, look for “Firewall”, “Security”, or similar.
2. Enable the Firewall: Make sure it’s turned on! Most routers have this enabled by default, but double-check.
3. Basic Protection: Leave the firewall settings at their defaults unless you understand what changes do.

4. Use WPA3 Encryption for Wi-Fi

WPA3 is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard.

1. Find Wireless Settings: In your admin settings, look for “Wireless”, “Wi-Fi”, or similar.
2. Security Mode: Change the security mode to WPA3-Personal (or WPA3 if available). If older devices don’t support WPA3, use WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode. Avoid using WEP or WPA – they are very insecure.
3. Strong Password: Create a strong password for your Wi-Fi network (different from your router login!).

5. Disable Remote Access (If Not Needed)

Remote access lets you control your router from outside your home network. If you don’t use it, turn it off.

1. Find Remote Management Settings: In your admin settings, look for “Remote Management”, “Administration”, or similar.
2. Disable Access: Uncheck the box to disable remote access.

6. Consider a Guest Network

A guest network provides Wi-Fi access without giving visitors access to your main network.

1. Find Guest Network Settings: In your admin settings, look for “Guest Network”, “Wireless”, or similar.
2. Enable the Guest Network: Turn it on and set a separate password.