How to secure your wireless network

How to Secure Your Network

 

Typically, the home network starts from a router and several connected devices. The router governs the data transmission between the home network and the internet. Your wireless router might be an obscure gadget compared to your beloved game console, smart TV, phone, or tablet, but it’s the most vital defender against malicious external attacks. There are several changes you could make if you want your router to be harder to breach for hackers or malware:

 

Set a unique password for your Wi-Fi

Set a wireless password to something that is unique and hard to guess. Use something uncommon from other accounts. It is also a good habit to change the password on a regular basis.

Here are some helpful articles on how to make these changes on our most popular routes:

SOHO Router: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/294

Deco: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/478

 

Change the password for your router’s admin account

Do not leave your router’s default password in the default configuration. Hackers and other malicious actors constantly try to break into devices using these publicly known default credentials. It is also a good habit to change the admin password on the regular basis.

SOHO Router: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/296

Deco: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/540

 

Keep the Firmware up to date.

Serving as the essential control code embedded into a network device, the router’s firmware sets the basic security standard for your home network. It can also set parameters such as determining what devices can or cannot connect. Security patches and bug fixes will be applied to firmware updates in order to patch or repair any found network vulnerabilities. A router with automatic updates is the best option, but you will need to make sure you have enabled this feature if it is available. If your router does not have an auto-update feature, then periodically checking for firmware updates manually is highly recommended.

SOHO Router: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/542

Deco: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/544

 

Create a Guest Network.

It is commonplace to have the occasional visitor, but how do you keep your home network safe when they ask if they can connect to your Wi-Fi? Though you may know them, you do not know their internet habits or what might get into your network from the devices they bring with them. The best solution for this concern is to set up a guest network. A guest network is a wireless network that is isolated from the home LAN network; visitors get internet access without the potential to get into your private data. Most routers in today’s market have this feature.

SOHO Router: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/546

Deco: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/548

 

Disable WPS and UPnP functions.

Some Wi-Fi routers have the pair button or WPS button to make connecting Wi-Fi devices easier as you will not have to enter the password to add new devices to your network. However, while it is a convenient feature, it can also be exploited to gain access to your home network.

SOHO Router: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/550

Deco: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/332

 

Similarly, UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is designed to make it easier for devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs to connect without complex configuration. However, some malware programs specifically target UPnP to infiltrate your home network.

SOHO Router: https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/kb/detail/348

Deco: Log into your Deco app, go to Advanced > UPnP and disable the feature.

 

Although they bring added convenience, if network security is a major concern for you, it is safer to disable these features and shortcuts.