How Do I Secure My Netgear Router Network?

I have set up a Netgear WiFi router in my home using the Netgear Nighthawk app. I am happy with its performance. But I want to know how I can have a secure home network.“ a Netgear router user.

Do you have same query in your mind? Are you looking for ways to secure your home network? Read this post in which we have covered the effective ways to enhance the security of your Netgear router network.

Let’s Secure Netgear Router WiFi

There are several ways that you can utilize to improve your home network. Find them in this section.

Update the Router’s Firmware

The very first way that we want to discus about is the firmware upgrade. Every router has software known as firmware embedded to its hardware. This software helps the hardware to do its job. Just like you get software updates for your phone or laptop, the same way you get updates for the firmware on Netgear routers. Netgear releases timely updates for the routers.

Firmware updates bring security updates along. Apart from that, firmware updates add new features to your router.

Go ahead and check for firmware updates for your Netgear router. You need to use the Nighthawk login admin details to reach the admin dashboard of your router first. Check if there’s an update pending. Download the update on your PC and get it installed on the router. Always have an eye on the firmware updates for your router. Whenever there is an update released, get it uploaded on your router to ensure that the router always runs on the most recent firmware version all the time.

Update Admin Password

The Netgear router is assigned a default value for the admin password. The default password is password. This password is used to log in to the router when you purchase it. While you are setting up the router, you are suggested to update this password. But if you haven’t updated it then, do it now. The default password can be used by anyone on your network to log in. Your home network is prone to security threats. So update your admin password now.

To update the admin password of your router, you need to log into the admin panel. Go ahead and assign a strong password and secure your network.

Add Guest Network

Do you know you have the option of creating a separate guest network on your Netgear Nighthawk router? This acts as a separate network from your main network. The WiFi credentials of the guest network are different from the main network. Every time you have a guest at your home who asks for your WiFi password, give him the guest network password. You need not share the WiFi password of your main network. You can have a secure home network this way by creating a guest network.

Change WiFi Password Often

Just the way you updated the admin password of your Netgear router, we recommend you update the WiFi password as well. The WiFi password of Netgear router can also be modified by accessing its settings after logging in. You should update the WiFi password once in three months to secure your network and keep WiFi bandits at bay.

Hide Router SSID

The SSID or the network name of the Netgear router can be hidden by you. No one can find your router’s WiFi in their devices. If you want to join your rotuer’s WiFi, you will need to manually make the connection. Use these steps to hide your router’s network:

1. Connect your PC to the Netgear router’s network. However, prior to doing that, make certain that the router is connected to the modem properly.
2. Visit routerlogin.net on a browser now.
3. Use admin password to log in to the router.
4. Go to settings and then select Wireless.
5. Click on the check box next to Enable SSID Broadcast to uncheck it.
6. Finally, click Apply and make the changes effective.

The Conclusion

After you’re done making the necessary changes as discussed in this post, you have secured your home network. Make sure that you keep you router updated and also update the WiFi and admin password on a regular basis. This will help you have a secure network.