How to protect your WIFI router against hackers

Fear via WiFi
Don't make it easy for hackers
Change credentials
Default username and password
Essential first step
Router name
Standard credentials
Disable remote access
Do not share access
Watch out for the neighbors
Kindness and caution are not mutually exclusive
Device control
Uninvited guests
Firewall enabled
Updated firmware
Nothing is infallible but it can be improved
Fear via WiFi

Why are many people afraid that a neighbor could steal their Internet connection or, even worse, that a hacker could access their device? Basically, because it can happen far too easily.

Don't make it easy for hackers

Of course, hackers and cheeky neighbors will have a much harder time if we know some tips that help protect privacy and give the WIFI router itself some extra security.

Photo: Unsplash - Nahel Abdul Hadi

Change credentials

Whether due to reluctance or ignorance, millions of WIFI routers maintain the default credentials that come with the installation. This only makes the work easier for anyone who wants to access them.

Default username and password

Thus, as soon as the technician leaves the door, it is advisable to change the credentials.

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Essential first step

Thus, when accessing the router settings, you must enter a more personalized username and password, establishing an alphanumeric password that contains eight characters or more.

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Router name

On the other hand, it is also recommended to change the name of the router, so as not to give any clue about the operator that the user has contracted.

Photo: Unsplash - Misha Feschak

Standard credentials

Operators have their standard usernames and passwords for millions of customers and if someone knows the operator being used it greatly narrows the options down when hacking it.

Disable remote access

In general, the remote access of WIFI routers is activated by default. Unless you are going to use this option, it is best to have it disabled.

 

Do not share access

Typically, internet access in a home is limited to those who live in that home. Giving access to someone outside the family nucleus can lead to problems and unauthorized access.

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Watch out for the neighbors

Then there is the issue of the neighbor who asks for the WIFI password because his connection is not working well and he has to do something urgent.

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Kindness and caution are not mutually exclusive

Yes, you can give him access, no problem, but remember to change the password when he is finished. If you don't, you can find yourself with the entire building connected to your WIFI router.

Photo: Unsplash - Frederik Lipfert

Device control

One way to control who accesses and who does not access the WIFI router is to count the devices that are generally connected in a house.

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Uninvited guests

From mobiles, to computers, through tablets, televisions or smartwatches, the list can be extensive but you should always watch that there is no strange or unknown element in it. If there is, block and password change immediately.

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Firewall enabled

The most current routers are usually installed with the firewall enabled. However, some older models do not have it, so it is advisable to activate it and thus we will have a firewall that protects our network, in the case of having an unauthorized connection.

Updated firmware

In the case of firmware, something similar happens. The newer models update themselves but the older ones involve downloading a file and updating it manually.

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Nothing is infallible but it can be improved

It is more tedious but significantly improves security.

Photo: Unsplash - Mika Baumeister

 

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