How To Secure a Router Network

We use the router to set up a wireless network in our home. But sometimes, we keep the network open, and anyone who is within the range of our Wi-Fi network could use it. Such a network is insecure and risk-prone. So what should we do to secure our router network? Here are a few techniques to secure a router network.

Securing a router network using password:

You should set a strong password to secure your router network. Though the routers have a default password, you must change it with a strong personal password during the setup. The steps may vary based on your router manufacturer. The steps to set a password to your router network are as follows.

Step 1:Open a web browser on the computer to which your router is connected to.

Step 2:In the address bar, type the ip address of your router. If you are not sure of the IP address, you can find the same from the label at the bottom of your router.

Step 3:On the routers home page, navigate to the Wireless or Security Settings according to your router model.

Step 4:On the settings page, enter the network name for your network in the SSID field.

Step 5:In the password filed, enter a password for your network. Make sure the password is strong enough so that no one can guess your password.

Step 6:Also, specify the encryption type in the wireless security page. Usually, it is recommended to set WAP2 as the encryption type for routers.

Step 7:Finally, click the Save or Apply button to save all the changes.

Update the Admin password of the router:

Each router comes with a default admin username and password. But mostly, the routers from the same manufacturer share the same admin password. So anyone who knows the admin password for the router model that you own could easily access your router. Hence, it is advised to change the admin password of your router. Proceed with the following steps.

Step 1:On your computer connected to the router, open a web browser and access the router’s web interface using the router’s ip address.
Step 2:Use the default admin username and password.
Step 3:Search for the Administration option and click Set password.
Step 4:Enter the old password, which is the default password that you use to log in.
Step 5:Now, enter the new password you wish to set in the appropriate field.
Step 6:If you see any option similar to Enable Password Recovery, then select it, which may be useful in case if you forget your new password.
Step 7:Finally, click on the Save button.

Updating the router firmware:

To secure your router network, update your router’s firmware. For some routers, the firmware update file can be downloaded from the support page of the router manager. You can now log in to the router’s web interface. Under the Advanced tab, select the Router Update or Firmware Update option.

Disable the WPS:

The WPS option enables any device to be paired with the router just by pressing the WPS button. Hence, to keep the router network secure, it is advised to disable the WPS option in the router. The steps to disable router may vary according to the router manufacturer.

Enable the built-in firewall:

Most of the modern routers come along with built-in firewall security. To make your router network secure, enable the built-in firewall. In the routers web interface, if the configuration page contains the Security or Firewall option, then it means your router has built-in firewall security. Select the Enable option and click the Save button.