How to lock down an insecure wireless network router

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Don't use the default login information
It's nearly always possible to find a router's default username and password online, depending on the brand and model. This means you can connect to the network, or tap into the router settings and lock out anyone from the network — even the owners. Worse still, hackers could monitor the traffic going in and out of the router, such as passwords and credit card information.
Change the default settings at the earliest opportunity with a strong username (if possible) and password.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Set the wifi security to WPA2
WPA2 isn't perfect, but it's the best solution outside of the enterprise. It allows you to set a strong password — with letters, numbers, and other characters — that can be near-uncrackable to attackers. The stronger the password, the harder it is for anyone to jump on your wi-fi network.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Set a list of 'approved' devices
Every networking device has a MAC address, which uniquely identifies that device. By setting the MAC Address Filter, it means devices with pre-set MAC addresses can join the network — even if a password has been set. This means you can set only your smartphone, notebook, and other devices to the network, and no other device can join — even if they have the correct wifi password.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Keep your router's firmware up to date
Updating the software for your router on a regular basis squashes known security bugs and vulnerabilities. These patches not only offer fixes, but also periodically you may get new software features that can enhance your network's security. These firmware patches are generally available from the router manufacturer's website.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Disable remote access, UPnP
Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP) has been criticized by the security community for allowing bugs and security flaws that can give unauthorized access to networks. Disabling UPnP can mitigate these attacks.
Also, if you have remote access to your router, disable this. It's yet another vector in which attackers can try to gain access to your network. Very few people, unless you're an enterprise network administrator, need remote access to networking devices.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Disable guest access
Some routers provide guest access. While this function often separates out your home network and your guests who use the temporary access, some hackers have been able to tunnel through the security wall into other parts of the network. If you really want to keep out people who shouldn't be on your network, disable this feature.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Turn your network broadcast (SSID) off
Turning off your network's broadcast name (SSID) can make it harder for hackers or others to gain unauthorized access to your network. The SSID is useful if you're roaming between two or more hotspots. But, if you have just one Wi-Fi router, you don't need to roam, and can turn this off without hassle. Just make sure you remember the SSID so you can plug it in manually.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Enable router firewall
Your network router can be the first line of defense to your network. You may not think you can be hit with a flood of traffic or a denial-of-service attack, but it can happen. Of course, having a firewall and other internet security on individual devices is helpful as well, but a router firewall can prevent some things from getting in.
At very least, turn on the firewall for both IPv4 (and if you have it, IPv6). If you can filter anonymous requests, also enable this feature.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup
Wi-Fi Protected Setup is not secure, despite what you might have heard. A simple way of connecting devices to your network, perhaps, but in reality it's an insecure feature. WPA2 security can be good enough if you're at home. (Enterprises may need a server-based system.) If you have WPA2 or any other password-based security enabled, you may not need to disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup. In many cases, it's one or the other.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Switch to shorter 5GHz band to prevent wide broadcast
Most modern routers have two frequency band settings: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The latter band is far shorter-ranged than its predecessor, without any significant compromise in network speed or reliability. If you live in a small home, or a populated neighborhood, you can set your router to 5GHz so it covers your home but no further. That alone makes it more secure against unauthorized access.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker
Switch to OpenDNS for greater protection
OpenDNS offers malware and botnet protection, and Web filtering for home and family users. This helps to prevent hackers or malware getting access to your computers by tricking you into visiting sites that are insecure. You can sign up for OpenDNS on its website. Simply plug in the DNS addresses (there are often two -- one for primary and one for backup) on your router's setup page.
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Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)
Photo by: ZDNet/CBS Interactive

Caption by: Zack Whittaker

9 of 11 NEXT PREV

Your home router is vulnerable to attacks as soon as you take it out of the box. Here are a number of ways you can secure your home wireless network.

Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup

Wi-Fi Protected Setup is not secure, despite what you might have heard. A simple way of connecting devices to your network, perhaps, but in reality it's an insecure feature. WPA2 security can be good enough if you're at home. (Enterprises may need a server-based system.) If you have WPA2 or any other password-based security enabled, you may not need to disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup. In many cases, it's one or the other.

Read more:

Published: February 16, 2015 -- 15:11 GMT (07:11 PST)

Caption by: Zack Whittaker

9 of 11 NEXT PREV

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How to lock down an insecure wireless network router

Don't use the default login information

Set the wifi security to WPA2

Set a list of 'approved' devices

Keep your router's firmware up to date

Disable remote access, UPnP

Disable guest access

Turn your network broadcast (SSID) off

Enable router firewall

Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup

Switch to shorter 5GHz band to prevent wide broadcast

Switch to OpenDNS for greater protection

Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup

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