Your router is the gatekeeper of your home network, but is it truly secure? Cybercriminals are always hunting for weak spots in your smart home and connected devices, and outdated router security settings could leave your entire network exposed.
The good news? A few simple tweaks and upgrades can dramatically improve your protection—without requiring a degree in IT.
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Routers have come a long way, but so have hackers. The latest WiFi 7 routers now feature WPA3 encryption, automatic firmware updates, and built-in security to help safeguard your home network. If you’re still using an older router—or worse, an ISP-issued one—it might be time to take control.
Router manufacturers understand the danger of online security vulnerabilities. Here are six actionable tips that will help make any wireless network more secure.
Many wireless routers have default login credentials such as the WiFi password “admin” to help consumers get their system up and running hassle-free. However, hackers can easily infiltrate unsecured systems and tamper with the router’s settings.
When choosing a new router or WiFi mesh system, look for one that is capable of using the latest WPA 3 encryption (Such as with NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 devices. Once set up, turn on router firewalls and enable automatic firmware updates to keep your router and sensitive information secure from emerging threats. NETGEAR routers include optional NETGEAR Armor powered by Bitdefender for real-time threat detection, VPN, Adblock, anti-tracking, and identity protection.
Consider using a guest network for better security. WiFi 7 routers offer upgraded security protocols compared to earlier dual-band WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 routers. NETGEAR’s WiFi 7 routers can establish a home network, guest network, and IoT smart home device network with up to 200 connected devices. It’s also a good idea to set up a guest WiFi network for visitors to prevent them from accessing your main network.
NETGEAR routers and mesh systems are easy to set up and monitor using the Nighthawk App and Orbi App. These apps allow you to run speed tests, ping, and monitor network devices on a local device or via remote access.
New router security protocols are undoubtedly superior to older ones. However, despite the improvements, an unsecured router still represents a prime target for malicious attacks. It’s suggested to regularly update your firmware to patch security vulnerabilities. Many NETGEAR routers offer automatic security patches and new firmware updates for added convenience & security.
Protect your home internet connection and devices by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This helps by encrypting your data and hiding your home router IP address. Additional VPN benefits include safely accessing content from other countries and obscuring your personal data to ads-tracking.
What is VPN and how does it work?
Consider enabling NETGEAR Armor Security add-on for your router. Armor offers robust advanced security features like real-time malware and phishing detection, VPN for secure and private browsing, Adblock, and anti-tracking tools.
Knowing how to protect your router from hackers and other malicious intruders is important. NETGEAR has been a security leader in the WiFi industry since the 1990s, when wireless routers were first introduced for consumers. The tradition continues and NETGEAR remains the trusted name for industry-leading router security protocols and features.
TIP: Cable Internet users can further improve their security by using a compatible NETGEAR Cable modem along with a secure router instead of using your ISP’s combo gateway device. Most US-based Cable ISP’s allow you to BYO-Modem such as the Nighthawk CM3000 Mid/high-Split Multi-Gig 2.5Gbps Cable Modem. This can improve ISP performance and ensure you have end-to-end security and get the most out of your new NETGEAR Nighthawk Router or Orbi Whole-Home Mesh System.
It’s best to update your password every 3–6 months or immediately if you notice suspicious activity.
NETGEAR Armor provides advanced cybersecurity features, including malware detection, VPN, identity protection, and anti-tracking tools for all devices on your network.
Yes, WPA3 encryption offers stronger protection against unauthorized access and brute-force attacks compared to older standards like WPA2.
A guest network isolates visitors’ or IOT devices from your primary network, reducing security risks and protecting sensitive data.
NETGEAR prioritizes your home WiFi network privacy by not selling user data and by adhering to strict global security standards.
Securing your router is critical for protecting sensitive data and devices from cyber threats. Implementing tips like updating passwords, enabling WPA3 encryption, and using guest networks can make your network significantly more secure. NETGEAR routers offer built-in advanced security features like NETGEAR Armor, automatic firmware updates, and privacy-first policies, making them the best choice for protecting your home network. Make your WiFi network more secure with NETGEAR.
