Routers are an important part of the communication network. This networking device forwards the data between different computer networks. Usually, cat6 outdoor cables are used for router connections. As it connects different networks, hence router security is very important.
Related: New Attack on WPA/WPA2 Discovered, Most Modern Routers at Risk
If you want to keep your workplace environment safe, then it is essential to pay attention to router security. For keeping the router safe, you should check whether the router has a key or not. If you have not setup any key for the router, then you can do it by using the screen of the wireless security setup which is present in the router.
1. Open the setup section and generate router key
You can enhance router security by opening the setup section and generating a router key. This will allow only authorized users to get access to the router. If you do not generate any key for your router, then you will be using an unsecured network which can create problems for you. This is one of the most important and simplest steps for protecting your online data.
2. Create an exclusive password for your router
Another important step in improving router security is to change the default SSID password of the router to your own exclusive password which is not easy to detect. The routers having the same brand and model usually have the same password. So, if anyone knows the password of that specific router, then that person will be able to get access to your network. You can improve security by setting up a unique password.
3. Generate Complex passwords for your routers
You can protect the routers by generating the SSID password. This will help you to prevent the webpages which can try to attempt security attacks. But one thing which you must keep in mind while creating the unique password is that the password must be complex and lengthy so that it cannot be hacked easily. Do not use your real name, your date of birth, landline or mobile telephone number, home address, email address or any other information which can be detected easily. Here’s how to generate unique passwords.
4. Turn off the WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
Most of you may not know this fact, but it is true that WPS is prone to router attacks. Instead of turning your WPS on, you can turn on WPA2 encryption. Moreover, you can also add a unique password to WPA2 to make it safer. You can do this simply by going into the router settings. In case, if the router also has an option of AES then along with WPA2 also turn on AES. This will make the device more secure. If your router only provides the WPA option, then you can switch to a more advanced router to enhance your security.
Related: Remove Malware from Your Router Effectively
5. Do not forget to upgrade the Firmware in Your Router
As we all know that the computer needs to get updated regularly. Similarly, the firmware in your router is also required to get updated. This will improve the performance of the router. However, along with the performance factor, it also increases the security of your router. You can make your router more secure by installing the latest firmware updates.
6. Make use of a Certified Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)
It is not necessary that you need the IPv6 on your router. In case you need it, you should use the certified version to ensure the security of your router. If you cannot find the certified IPv6, then change the default Internet Protocol (IP) address to a different one. By using a certified IPv6 or changed IP address you can prevent the attackers from detecting the location of your router.
7. Do not forget to Log Out of Your Router Settings
Never forget to logout of your router settings whenever you change the password or alter any other thing in the router settings option. You can prevent your router from attacks by logging out of router settings. If you do not log out, then anyone can make changes to the settings. For example, if you have enabled WPA2 but forgot to logout, then the attacker can change it to WPS which is less secure. Hence, do not compromise the security of your router by giving the settings access to attackers. Make your business network secure by logging out of your router settings every time after making the required changes.
8. Turn off the Remote Management Feature
As the web server is not error-free, even if the web server is embedded, your router can be hacked. Therefore, router security issues can occur even due to the embedded web server. You must generate a security policy that disables the remote management feature if you have created a VPN at your office. Once you have disabled this feature, then you should invest in buying the security products that make sure that the office workers are connected to the secure routers which have disabled the remote administration.
9. Turn off the Guest Access Feature
Most of the people think that this function is useful, but for security purposes, it is better to turn off this feature. You can disable this feature by selecting the disable setting instead of the enable setting. Click on Apply button before logging out of the router settings. In most of the routers, this option is unprotected, so this makes it an open Wi-Fi network. Hence, to keep your router secure, you must disable this function.
10. Choose the best router service
You should never compromise on the quality of the router service. A good router service can provide you with better performance, reliability, and safety. However, you can face a loss in your business by choosing a poor router service. Moreover, you cannot secure your router fully if you will have a poor router service.
We hope that these tips will help you in securing your router. If you have any other tip, please share with us in the comment box below. You can also ask any question related to the article.
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About the Author: Shawn Mike
Shawn Mike has been working with writing challenged clients for over five years. He provides ghostwriting, SMM and copywriting services. His educational background in technical field and business studies has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He occasionally writes articles related to the Internet.
