Today anything digital is prone to hack. From ATMs to cars, and from satellites to the secured government offices. So, the use of the term “unhackable” doesn't count anymore.
Many people are now aware of that and take good measures for their online safety, but safeguarding the Wi-Fi router is still low priority for the most. The reasons may range from lack of knowledge to mere carelessness, but your home router’s security is as important as your front door because it is the foremost target of hackers trying to invade through your system.
Here are few recommendations to strengthen your Wi-Fi router security from hack attacks:
1. Enable WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
This is the first and most important thing to do for everyone who has a router. It provides encryption to your system and its variant WPA-PSK can be found in home networks. Those who use old routers, they might be having WEP or Wired Equivalent Privacy security, and trust me, it is no better than zero security.
2. Create a Strong SSID Network Name
Don't use the router’s default network name like D-Link or Netgear. Hackers have specific tools like rainbow table to bust into your network just by knowing your default SSID name.
3. Use a Strong Password or Passphrase
No talk on security can circumvent the importance of strong passwords. Be advised that if you increase your password’s length to just one more character, the chances of the hacker cracking your code with probabilistic ways are reduced by hundreds or even thousands.
4. Firewall Your Router
If you have it, then Use it. It is the router’s in-built protection system to make it somewhat obscure from the hacker’s view. Also, new routers come with ‘stealth mode’ firewalls.
5. Turn Off UPnP
The Universal Plug and Play protocol (UPnP) which is meant to establish easy connection with devices in the vicinity can make your router vulnerable and make it a potential target for the hackers (results could be DoS -Denial of Service attacks as well).
Not all the routers are susceptible to UPnP exploitation, but why take the risk.
6. Use VPN
A personalized VPN service for your router is the way to go if you are willing to shed a few bucks for your important data. VPN works by giving your location anonymity on its server and even creates its own firewall to protect your network traffic.
Also, VPN is a better alternative than the router’s remote management feature which exposes its web-based interface on the Internet.
7. Enable Logging Feature
The logging feature in your router keeps an account of the log attempts from all IP addresses and give you all the connection attempt details. This could help you monitor any ongoing suspicious activity.
Although, you can’t make your device hack-proof, but with these simple techniques you could make your router safer than it was before.