5 Best Router Settings To Keep Hackers Off Your Cameras

If you have the latest technology devices like cameras, speakers, and thermostats in your home, it must be connected to a wireless connection router for internet access. A router is a portal to the internet world. It enables you to connect your smart devices and explore the endless possibilities of the outside world. But as they say, “with technology comes vulnerability.”

There is no hack-proof technology. You might assume your routers to be safe and secured, just like it was on the installation day. We hardly realize that without our knowledge, it might have been hacked already. Well, rest assured, taking a few steps will help you lock it down securely so that no dangerous incoming and outgoing traffic takes place. The following are 5 basic router settings to help keep your router safe.

1- Update Your Firmware Regularly

Typically all routers run on firmware, which practically controls all the functions of the router. Firmware is what sets the network’s security standards. Get the latest security patches and bug fixes as a part of the update. Modern routers come with an auto-update option.

You can also manually update your firmware from within the router control panel. For that, you will need the router’s IP address and password, which can easily be found on the user guide, or some websites also have these pieces of information. If checking manually, go to the router’s admin page where you will find an “Advanced” or “Management” segment to look for firmware updates and download new updates.

Also, turn on automatic updates if you have them on your router settings. Recently, new age routers have been built to update themselves automatically. Still, you should keep track of updating your firmware from time to time.

2- Use Stronger Router Encryption

Most routers usually use default encryption – which means you have to add a password to connect to it. All routers use different encryption settings where some are weaker than the others. You should be able to find an encryption setting in “the Wireless” menu of your router.

Most hackers will easily crack the old-dated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security. Hence, if you are currently using WEP, upgrade to WPA2 or rather WPA3 (which is the most recent WI-FI security standard). Older routers will need a firmware upgrade to be compatible with WPA2 or WPA3 functionality.

The information on how to enable WPA2\WPA3 wireless encryption on your router can be found on the router handbook. Never choose the “OPEN” option, which means no network security at all.

3- Enable Firewall To Hide Your Network Visibility

A firewall acts as an obstacle that separates your network from the internet. Most routers come with a built-in firewall. You must enable it to make your network less visible to cyberpunks who are on the verge of passing into your network.

Even though your router’s location and IP address are already known to the hackers, the firewall will prevent external access to your network. A firewall can block hackers from breaking into your system and pose threats before they ever manage to take a foothold.

Many default router firewalls have a “keep hidden” mode, which will help you reduce your network’s visibility. You will also need to check your firewall configuration to make sure it functions correctly.

4- Set A Strong SSID And Change It Frequently

Another step towards increasing your router security is setting up a strong SSID (wireless network name). Using the router’s default network name will make it easier for the hackers to break down your encryption by using prebuilt rainbow tables attributed with common SSID names to crack your wireless encryption, which in turn will help them to hack your network.

Generate a lengthy, complicated, and random SSID name, which might be hard to remember but impossible to forget and which will be relatively safer. Another step towards this is changing the password frequently.

This will require you to connect all your devices to the network once again, but it will also help you keep your system safe. If you change the password needed to access router settings often, it will prevent any intruder who knows your defaults from reconfiguring your router.

5- Disable Remote Administration

If you are aware of remote administration, you should disable this in your router setting. You can find this in your router settings under the “administration” feature. Remote administration enables hackers to take advantage of the quality and intrude into your network.

Disabling remote administration means access to your router’s administrative settings will be possible only through a wired connection. This means you will not be able to get remote help from ISP technicians remotely, but it also closes a significant gateway for hackers into your network. This will prevent hacking into your router from laptops near your location.

Conclusion

Keeping in mind these few steps will help you secure your network from being hacked.

When buying new routers, keep in mind purchasing routers that update automatically, have top-notch security encryption, and keep your data secure and safe. To ensure better security for your private network, find out more on routerlogin.app.

Categories : Technology

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