Your Wi-Fi router is more than just a device that brings internet into your home — it can also become an entry point for hackers if left unprotected.
Cybercriminals often target routers using weak passwords, outdated firmware, and insecure settings to gain access to personal data, infect devices with malware, or even use internet connections for cyberattacks.
According to cybersecurity company Dexpose, routers account for nearly 75% of attacks targeting internet-connected devices. Popular brands such as Netgear are among the most targeted.
Here are five simple ways users can make their routers more secure.
Enable automatic updates
Keeping router firmware updated is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve security.
Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix vulnerabilities hackers may exploit. Many modern routers allow users to enable automatic firmware updates, ensuring the latest security patches are installed without manual checks.
How to enable automatic updates
- Log in to the router app or admin panel
- Open “Administrative” or “Advanced” settings
- Turn on “Auto Firmware Update”
- Choose a preferred update schedule
- Save changes
Regular updates help protect against malware, spyware, and known router exploits.
Use MAC address filtering
Every internet-connected device has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. Routers can use these addresses to allow or block specific devices from connecting.
Users can either create a whitelist of approved devices or blacklist unknown devices.
How To enable MAC filtering
- Open router settings or admin panel
- Go to “Wi-Fi Settings,” “Tools,” or “Advanced”
- Enable “MAC Filtering”
- Select whitelist or blacklist mode
- Add MAC addresses to allow or block
- Save settings
This adds another layer of access control for home networks.
Change default SSID and admin password
Many users forget to change the default network name and router login credentials after setup.
Hackers can often identify a router’s brand and model through its default SSID, making it easier to target known vulnerabilities.
Why changing SSID matters
Experts recommend avoiding personal information in Wi-Fi names, such as real names or addresses, to reduce phishing risks.
How To Change Wi-Fi Name
- Access “Wi-Fi Settings” or “Wireless Settings”
- Find the SSID field
- Replace the default name with a neutral one
- Optionally hide the SSID from public view
- Save changes
Users should also immediately replace the default admin username and password with stronger credentials.
Create a guest Wi-Fi network
A guest network creates a separate internet connection for visitors without exposing the primary network.
This helps protect connected devices such as smartphones, cameras, smart TVs, and baby monitors from unauthorized access or malware spread.
- Open router settings
- Navigate to “Wireless Settings” or “Network Settings”
- Enable “Guest Network”
- Create a separate password and SSID
- Save settings
Some routers also allow users to limit bandwidth and internet speed for guest users.
Make sure WPA3 security is enabled
Wi‑Fi Protected Access 3, commonly known as WPA3, is currently the strongest Wi-Fi security standard available.
It offers stronger encryption and better protection against brute-force password attacks compared to older standards like WPA2 or WEP.
- Log in to router settings
- Open “Wi-Fi Settings” or “Security”
- Find the security protocol option
- Select WPA3 if available
- Save changes
If WPA3 is unavailable, WPA2 should be the minimum standard. Experts warn against continuing to use outdated WEP or WPA security protocols.
As more homes rely on smart devices and connected technology, routers have become attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Simple steps such as changing passwords, updating firmware, and enabling stronger security protocols can greatly reduce the risk of hacking attempts and unauthorized access.
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