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Take control of your router
Why it matters: Every device in the house goes through the router. Default settings are built for easy setup, not for keeping strangers out.
Do it
- Log in to the router's app or admin page and change the default admin password.
- Turn on automatic firmware updates, or update it now.
- Choose WPA3 encryption, or WPA2 if that's all it offers.
- Turn off remote management, WPS and UPnP unless you know you need them.
- Set the router's DNS to a filtering service for an easy extra layer.
Check it worked: Your router has a new admin password, current firmware, WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, remote management, WPS and UPnP off, and a separate guest network.
Simply put
Your router is the front gate every device walks through. Out of the box it's built for easy setup, like a gate left on the latch; a new password and updates close it properly.
In detail
Home routers are a common target for criminal proxy networks because they're rarely updated; a router no longer receiving firmware updates should be replaced. Internet provider routers are often updated by the provider, but check.
If this is new to you: Never logged in to your router? Start with its app, or your internet provider's. Change one setting at a time, and save the new admin password in your password manager.
Points toward the Long View: a gateway that keeps getting fixed, and gets replaced once its updates stop.