How to secure your home Wi-Fi router
Your router is the front door of your home network. Seven settings that close the doors attackers use most.
By CSN Newsroom
Illustration: CybersecurityNews.ca
At a glance
Audience
Individuals & families
Difficulty
Beginner
Time needed (minutes)
20 min
Last reviewed
What you need
- The router admin password (often on a label on the router)
Key takeaways
- Change the default admin password
- Turn on automatic firmware updates
- Use WPA3 and a separate guest network
Your router connects every device in your home to the internet. A few settings, most of which take a minute, close the doors attackers use most.
Steps
- Sign in to the router's admin page or app. The address is usually printed on a label on the router.
- Change the default administrator password to a long, unique one.
- Install firmware updates, and turn on automatic updates if the router offers them.
- Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode if older devices need it) with a long Wi-Fi passphrase.
- Turn off WPS and remote administration unless you really need them.
- Put smart home devices and visitors on a separate guest network.
- If the manufacturer no longer releases updates for your router, plan to replace it.
