Secure your Workplace Wireless Router Network

Securing your wireless router is essential as data breaching attempts are becoming common in wireless networks and can lead to compromising confidentiality. Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face challenges in securing Wi-Fi router and their networks due to limited cyber skills and resources. Below are the steps that you can follow to ensure the security of your Wi-Fi router.

6 Ways you can Secure your Wireless Network

Following are the actionable ways to secure your wireless router and keep your business safe from intruders.

Modify the Network Name

Your Wi-Fi broadcasts service set identifier (SSID), while users need to locate your wireless network, you must ensure your model is not easily identifiable. Generally, routers use default model names like “Linksys” or “TP-Link” which essentially serve as signposts for potential hackers. Modifying these names is a simple step but it can improve your Wi-Fi security.

Hide your SSID

When your SSID is hidden, your network won’t appear in the list of available networks on most devices. Hiding your SSID makes it considerably tougher for hackers and intruders to join your network to steal bandwidth or data. Enterprises can access the settings of their networking devices like routers, Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters.

Update your WiFi Router Firmware Regularly

Attackers frequently exploit loopholes in the WiFi router, so staying with the latest firmware is essential for your business. Furthermore, Wi-Fi routers and extenders come with embedded firmware and manufacturers push security patches into the firmware to secure your wireless router. Therefore, it is necessary to check regular updates and apply to keep your router firmware up-to-date.

Disable WPS and DHCP

Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) provides the convenience of connecting your device to an encrypted network by simply pushing a button. However, it comes with the cost of compromising your Wi-Fi router security. Anyone can press the button on your WI-Fi router and can connect to it without authentication. Therefore, disabling WPS increases security within a network. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) allows your wireless router to assign specific IDs to the devices. While it is a good approach for limited number of devices once the user is multitude, this approach will not be practical for businesses.

Implement Firewall, SSL, and MAC address filtering

Enterprises can secure a Wi-Fi router network with a firewall as it defends against hacker attacks, protecting customer information and reinforcing business security. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules. In addition, Firewalls create network segmentation using Wi-Fi routers to make small secure zones, this will limit the attack within a network. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is essential to implement on servers for safe online transactions as it allows encrypted communications between browsers and servers. This ensures that all confidential data transmitted between the web server and browser remains private and integral. MAC address filtering adds an extra layer of security, restricting network access based on device MAC addresses and preventing unauthorized entry.

Conduct Wi-Fi Penetration Testing

Wi-Fi penetrating testing on a router means you are stimulating a cyber attack against your network. Pen testing mimics real-world hacking attempts, identifying vulnerabilities in your Wi-Fi configuration, encryption settings, and overall security posture. Regular pen testing will allow you to validate the effectiveness of your existing security measures to fill up the weakness.

Implement WPA3

Wi-Fi-protected access (WPA3) is a successor of WPA2 and the most secure Wi-Fi security protocol available. It uses 192-bit or 256-bit encryption to protect your data, this makes it harder for attackers to steal your data. WPA3 also implements the “Simultaneous Authentication of Equals” (SAE) protocol, which provides additional protection against password-cracking techniques. Overall, it offers strong protection against brute-force attacks and unauthorized device connection attempts.

Tips and Tricks to Secure your Wireless Network

These are the additional wi-fi router security tips and tricks that you can utilize to enhance the overall protection of your router.

Physically Secure your Wi-fi Router:

Secure the router and additional networking equipment like the Mesh Router in a locked environment to avoid potential tampering or unwanted physical access. 24/7 monitoring can significantly reduce the chance of physical breaches.

Separate Network Segment for Guest

Visitors in the offices are mostly untrused and creating a guest access is a good idea to separate your for guests who need internet access. This also ensures your internal data and network remains safe.

Disable Remote Management

Remote management essentially opens a doorway into your router’s settings from anywhere on the internet. Disabling the remote access will not allow the intruder to tamper with your WiFi-router remotely. However, you will not be able to remotely access your servers.

Use Wireless Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

Wireless router intrusion prevention systems are specifically designed to detect and prevent wireless violations. They can assist in identifying rogue wireless access points, and prevent wireless spoofing, man in the middle, and other attacks.

Security Appliance

Enterprises should invest in modern network security appliances like proxy servers, firewalls, and more to combat cyber threats. These appliances come with features like advanced threat detection, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and sandboxing capabilities to better protect your network. Computing Worlds offers you the latest networking products from top manufacturers that you can buy online for your business.

• JC360-61002 HP
• FG-60F-BDL-811-12 Fortinet
• USG Ubiquiti
• UXG-Pro Ubiquiti

You can also request a bulk quote online for the top security appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Security on my WI-FI Router?

Yes, ensure to safeguard all of your devices. Just as unprotected networks might allow hackers to access your data.

Is mesh WiFi secure and easy to set up?

Setting up a mesh Wi-Fi router is an easy and more secure way to setup an internet connection within your workplace.

which is the latest security feature in a wireless router?

WPA3 Personal is the newest, most secure protocol currently available for wireless routers. It works with all devices that support Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), and some older devices as well. Lastly, Data breaches can ruin your brand reputation and impressions. These are the above steps you can take to secure your wireless routers and avoid any outsider using your internal data. On top, if your Wi-Fi router is malfunctioning then troubleshoot your office router and make it work again with enhanced security. For more such information stay tuned to Computing Worlds Blog.