Nowadays, starting from smartphones, laptops, smart TVs to CCTV cameras, smart bulbs and various IoT devices—almost all are connected to the home Wi-Fi network. As a result, even the slightest weakness in router security can put multiple devices at risk. But by checking some important settings and changing them as per requirement, it is possible to increase the security of home network in a short time.
First enter the router's Admin Panel.
To change the security settings of the router, first open its Admin Panel. In many routers, the login page can be found by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the browser. If these addresses do not work, open the Command Prompt on a Windows computer and use the ipconfig command to see the address of the Default Gateway. It is possible to find the router address from the Mac's network settings. Keep in mind, Wi-Fi Password and Router Admin Password are not the same thing. It is better to use separate and strong passwords for both.
Change Default Password and SSID
If you are still using the default admin username or password provided with the router, change it. At the same time, the name of the Wi-Fi i.e. SSID and Wi-Fi Password can also be set again. It is better not to disclose the name of the router company or model in the SSID. In this, unwanted information about the network does not go out. In case of Wi-Fi Security Mode, if the router has WPA3-Personal, it can be used. Many routers allow you to use WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode if older devices don't support WPA3.
Set aside Guest Network for guests
At home, guests can turn on Guest Network instead of giving their original Wi-Fi password. This makes it possible to keep guest devices separate from the main network. Not just guests, in some cases a separate network can also be used for smart bulbs or other IoT devices. This allows you to restrict direct access to other devices on the same network if a connected device detects a security issue.
Turn off WPS when not needed
WPS or Wi-Fi Protected Setup is a feature through which the device can be easily connected to Wi-Fi. However, WPS's PIN-based approach has a history of security vulnerabilities. If you do not use WPS regularly, the feature can be turned off in the router's settings. Now many smartphones have the facility to share Wi-Fi through QR code.
It is better to keep Remote Management off
Some routers have the facility to access the Admin Panel from outside the home and through the Internet. This feature can be useful if needed, but leaving it on while it is running may leave the router's management interface accessible through the Internet. Keep Remote Management or Web Access from WAN off if not needed. Similarly, remote access features such as Telnet and SSH can be disabled when not in use.
Check if there is a firmware update
Firmware update is very important in maintaining router security. Go to the Firmware Update or System Update section of the router's Admin Panel and check if there are new updates. If the Auto Firmware Update facility is available, it can be kept on. New Firmware – Manufacturers can provide solutions to various security vulnerabilities. However, if a router does not receive any more security updates from the manufacturer for a long time and reaches the End-of-Life stage, then using a new and supported router can be considered.
Just using a strong Wi-Fi password doesn't keep your home network completely secure. Security can be further increased by adjusting some settings like router admin password, Wi-Fi Security Mode, WPS, Guest Network and Remote Management. It is also important to update the firmware regularly.