From the use of the WPA2 protocol to the host network, passing through the updates: here’s how to protect your router
The days when we used to connect to the Internet using one of those many non-wireless routers, contraptions that forced us to buy long and cumbersome cables are long gone. Since a few years they have been replaced, in fact, by devices that support Wi-Fi, which are convenient but also dangerous for our data.
If you don’t take the right security measures Wi-Fi routers can be hacked by hackers. Before explaining how to protect them, it is useful to spend a few words on the most common risks. Over the years, especially recently, several flaws have been discovered in some of the most widely used routers. The vulnerabilities, whatever their origin, allow third parties to easily access your home network. As a result, anyone could monitor internet traffic and thus intercept even extremely sensitive data, such as passwords or bank credentials. Considering, therefore, the risks behind a wireless connection, it is crucial to learn how to protect yourself.
Improving the security of your home Wi-Fi router is not that difficult in the end. You just need to pay attention to some important details, which are often underestimated by most people.
Use WPA2 Protocol
First check if your Wi-Fi router supports WPA2 protocol, which allows you to ensure a higher level of security. The standard encrypts data transmission, preventing unauthorized people from accessing it. Make sure it is active on your home device.
Change default credentials
Almost all routers come with default passwords, provided by various Internet Service Providers or Wi-Fi device manufacturers. It is very important to change them. The reason is quite simple: cyber criminals would take very little time to guess them.
Hide your home network
Be smart: don’t let hackers identify your Wi-Fi network. Change the name. For another reason, too. If you have a router model at home that’s known to be vulnerable, you’re effectively giving it away to hackers, who could exploit the flaws to breach the device.
Disable WPS
Many experts recommend disabling the WPS protocol, which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This is a standard that allows users to quickly connect to the router without entering a password.
Check for updates
As mentioned, hackers often use vulnerabilities within the router to breach 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 fix these dangerous holes. Check if new updates are available and download them if they are.
Disable remote access
For the reasons explained before, it is advisable to disable remote access, preferring the Ethernet cable connection.
Switch to 5 Ghz band frequency
Leaving aside the technical aspect (a router with 5 Ghz band has more radio channels to transmit data), the 5 Ghz frequency has a limitation that at the same time is a strong point in terms of computer security: the signal radiated through this band has a smaller range than the one transferred through the 2.4 Ghz frequency. As a result, only people close to the router can intercept the wireless network.
Use a guest network
Some routers allow you to create a guest network. This is a network, with limited functionality compared to the main network. In particular, it prevents guests from accessing the core network, to which many “sensitive” devices may be connected. There is no need, in fact, to provide our “guest” with the router’s password. Moreover, it is also possible to establish a time, after which the network stops working.