Router configuration: Securing your network
This simple checklist of tasks should get you started on using your router to its best ability, enhancing your LAN security. These are generic features that should be on most routers out there; consult your router’s user manual if you have doubts about where to find these settings. If you are still in the market looking to buy a router, a good idea is to go through the online manual to see if these settings are available on the router in your budget. Some of these security settings are to be used in conjunction with others; some provide an additional layer of security to what another setting already provides.
1. Administrative password
Establish an administrative password, there are far too many users out there running their routers on the factory default password. Make sure you choose a strong password, remember if your router password gets compromised, your entire LAN could be compromised. On the plus side, even if you forget your admin password, resetting the router will default your password to factory settings (and will remove all your other configurations). If you are administering a LAN that is frequented by people whom you do not entirely trust (or it is your job not to trust them); make sure that you set your browser not to save your username and password to the router’s configuration page. In addition, it is good practice to clear the history and cache of the browser you use to configure the router – using this in conjunction with a router IP address that isn’t the factory default 192.168.0.1 (see 3. Router IP address) will add an additional layer of security.
2. Firmware version
Your router’s abilities are determined by software embedded, your router may have shipped with an older version of this software. Always check with the manufacturer’s support website for that product for the latest versions of the firmware. Newer firmware versions are usually released to fix bugs, refine features or provide entirely new capabilities to your router. I’d recommend using this step as one of your first for your new router; updating your router firmware may erase all your configuration, so update before proceeding with the rest of the steps.
An important note: Firmware flashing for your router is a rather straightforward step; consult your router’s manual before attempting it. If you are using a wireless network, do not attempt to make changes to your router’s firmware over a wireless link. Any random set of variables might cause your wireless link to break, and you may have a router with an unusable partially loaded firmware (almost like trying to drive your car midway through an oil change).
I’d also recommend keeping two versions of your router’s firmware on one of your local computer’s hard drive – the new one that you uploaded and the one your router came with. In case of unforeseen bugs and you aren’t able to get back to the internet, you still have the firmware with you. Additionally, some routers have a crash recovery mechanism that allows you access to the router in cases where you are unable to connect to the router and the reset button does not work. Go through your manufacturer’s knowledge base to see if there is a crash recovery method for your router.
3. Router IP address
Most routers out there have a default IP address of 192.168.0.1, some of them even allow you to change the router’s IP address to one of your choice. While, it’s real easy to determine what the router’s IP address is from within the LAN (hint: check the gateway address or DHCP server), it will help your router from being bothered by curious LAN users with lower than average network skills.
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