Wi-Fi routers are convenient and widely used today. But does this convenience come with a price when it comes to the security of your personal information? Unfortunately, many Wi-Fi routers and network gateways used in homes today aren't as secure as they should or could be, so the answer is oftentimes yes. In fact, one security expert goes as far as saying some routers are so insecure and vulnerable to potentially serious breaches they should just be tossed out altogether.

So, what can you do to make your router more secure when linking to the internet via a wireless connection? We offer tips, suggestions, and recommendations below – and explain the potential risks associated with home routers.
Jump to:
- What to Avoid with Routers
- What's Wrong with Consumer Routers?
- Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Risks
- Security Risks for Older Routers
- The Wi-Fi Protected Setup Risk
- What Kind of Router Should You Be Using at Home?
- Consider a VPN Router
- 5 Basic Steps for Boosting Home Router Security
- Some Other Steps to Consider
What to Avoid with Routers
It's generally advised you stay away from routers that come from big box stores since they tend not be as secure since they're mass-produced. This also applies to the routers typically provided by internet service providers (ISPs). The problem here is ISPs also give away a lot of these devices, and security thieves and spy agencies know this all too well.
What's Wrong with Consumer Routers?
A router is network hardware designed to connect a local network to the information superhighway. It’s also intended to be the first line of security in the event of potential security attacks. All routers, including consumer-grade ones, typically come in a variety of sizes and styles. As for what's wrong with consumer routers, one thing is a lack of consistent alerts about available firmware updates. Plus, some routers fail to sufficiently block attacks or take the steps necessary to keep internet-delivered information safe. If a router is compromised, it could result in:
• The altering of unencrypted data
• You being sent to websites that mimic real ones you frequently visit
• The installation of harmful programs on your devices
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Risks
It's common for routers to have this type of networking protocol enabled on internet-facing ports. Because UPnPs are designed for local area networks, there's no security. This obviously isn't good for anything connecting to the internet, especially given the increased reliance today on home-based connections.
Security Risks for Older Routers
Some older home routers have a type of management tool that transmits sensitive information via the Web. This home network administration protocol tool also allows remote users to access the connection simply by providing administrative usernames and passwords. It's often easier to obtain this information than you may realize. The reason is that many people don't bother to change the default username and password settings for administrative access.
The Wi-Fi Protected Setup Risk
Sometimes referred to as WPS or "push button," a Wi-Fi-protected setup is a feature common on home-use routers that makes it easier for anyone tapping into your network via a secure network to do so easier. While most routers support WPS by default, it's not a good feature when it comes to security. In fact, it increases the odds of having a potentially serious security attack, which could result in compromised data on any of the devices connecting to your router.
What Kind of Router Should You Be Using at Home?
If you have concerns about the security of your home's wireless internet connection or your router in general, a commercial-grade router is worth considering. Intended for use by small business owners, these are routers that provide an added level of security. Another possibility is to have a separate router and modem.
Consider a VPN Router
A virtual private network router works like an ordinary router. The main difference is it has VPN software installed, too. What this type of router does is create a private connection for your data, at least with what's transmitted via the router to anything linked to it. A router VPN provides privacy protection for every device that taps into your home's wireless connection. Having a router VPN also eliminates the need to install separate VPN software on each device using your router's connection.

5 Basic Steps for Boosting Home Router Security
With the recommendations highlighted immediately below, we’re keeping the focus on more basic things you can do to get a decent boost in security when using your home's router. For the sake of convenience, let’s do this in five steps that apply to anyone using a router at home:
- Get a separate router and modem: Contact your ISP if you use a router supplied this way. They should be able to adjust a dual device so it only acts as a modem. This way you can purchase your own router.
- Get a low-end commercial-grade router: Yes, you'll pay more for a commercial-grade router, but it's worth the initial investment given the potential risks associated with having your data compromised in some way.
- Change default settings: Default settings are easily figured out by hackers with tools they can use to quickly figure out more common administrative credentials. Also, avoid any passwords that provide identity clues –e.g., using your apartment number.
- Get firmware updates: While most newer routers do this automatically, double-check to make sure your router is set up to give you firmware updates.
- Enable WPA2 wireless encryption: If only the older WEP standard is supported by your router, it's time for a new router.
WPA3 was introduced in 2021, but it's only supported by new devices. Still, it's good to know it's available and something to look for when you get a new router or new device. Also, be sure to disable Wi-Fi protected setup.
Some Other Steps to Consider
In addition to the handful of basic steps mentioned above, there are some extra things you can do to boost the security of your wireless connection at home. Start by changing the default name for your network to something more unique. You'll also enjoy a boost in wireless network security by:
• Using a strong password for your network
• Regularly updating your network's password – at least every 2-3 months is the general recommendation
• Selecting the wireless security protocol right for your needs
• Enabling a firewall to get an added layer of security
• Setting your router to the 5-GHz band
• Disabling administrative access via Wi-Fi
• Using your browser's private or incognito mode if you need to access administrative settings
• Disabling remote-access protocols like SSH and UPnP if you can
• Changing the domain name system (DNS) server for your router
• Avoiding the use of cloud-based router management
We have one other tip for you: set up a guest Wi-Fi network. Doing so provides an added layer of protection by setting up a Wi-Fi network that can be used by guests in your home. This way you're not giving out your regular network info. Incidentally, a “secure” password today should have at least 16 unique characters.
Read also:
Leave a Reply