Table of Contents
- Step 1: Change the Default Router Login Credentials
- Step 2: Update the Firmware
- Step 3: Enable WPA2/WPA3 Encryption
- Step 4: Disable Remote Management
- Step 5: Change the Default SSID and Password
- Step 6: Enable MAC Address Filtering
- Step 7: Disable WPS
- Step 8: Enable a Firewall
- Step 9: Disable UPnP
- Step 10: Regularly Check Connected Devices
Step 1: Change the Default Router Login Credentials
One of the most important steps to secure your ASUS WiFi router is to change the default login credentials. Here's how you can do it:
- Connect your computer or mobile device to the router's network.
- Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address.
- Enter the default username and password provided by ASUS.
- Navigate to the settings page and change the username and password to something unique and strong.
- Save the changes and log out of the router's settings page.
Step 2: Update the Firmware
Keeping your router's firmware up to date is crucial for security. Follow these steps to update the firmware:
- Visit the ASUS support website and locate the firmware updates for your router model.
- Download the latest firmware version.
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the firmware update section and select the downloaded firmware file.
- Start the firmware update process and wait for it to complete.
- Restart the router after the update.
Step 3: Enable WPA2/WPA3 Encryption
By enabling WPA2/WPA3 encryption, you can protect your WiFi network with a strong password. Here's how to do it:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the wireless settings section.
- Select the WPA2/WPA3 encryption option.
- Set a unique and strong password for your WiFi network.
- Save the changes.
Step 4: Disable Remote Management
Disabling remote management prevents anyone from accessing your router's settings from outside your home network. Follow these steps:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the remote management settings section.
- Disable the remote management option.
- Save the changes.
Step 5: Change the Default SSID and Password
Changing the default SSID (network name) and password adds an extra layer of security to your WiFi network. Here's what you need to do:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the wireless settings section.
- Change the default SSID to a unique name.
- Set a strong password for your WiFi network.
- Save the changes.
Step 6: Enable MAC Address Filtering
MAC address filtering allows you to control which devices can connect to your WiFi network. Follow these steps to enable it:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the MAC address filtering settings section.
- Add the MAC addresses of the devices you want to allow on your network.
- Save the changes.
Step 7: Disable WPS
Disabling WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) prevents potential vulnerabilities. Here's how to disable it:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the WPS settings section.
- Disable the WPS option.
- Save the changes.
Step 8: Enable a Firewall
Enabling a firewall adds an extra layer of protection to your network. Follow these steps:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the firewall settings section.
- Enable the firewall option.
- Configure the firewall settings according to your preferences.
- Save the changes.
Step 9: Disable UPnP
Disabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) prevents unauthorized devices from automatically connecting to your network. Here's how to disable it:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the UPnP settings section.
- Disable the UPnP option.
- Save the changes.
Step 10: Regularly Check Connected Devices
Regularly monitoring the devices connected to your network helps identify any unauthorized access. Use the following steps to check connected devices:
- Access the router's settings page using the steps mentioned in Step 1.
- Navigate to the connected devices or DHCP client list section.
- Review the list of connected devices and ensure they are authorized.
By following these steps and implementing the recommended security measures, you can significantly enhance the security of your ASUS WiFi router and protect it from hackers and intruders.