Harden Router: What to Disable in 2024 [Guide]

Securing a home or business network necessitates vigilance, especially as cyber threats evolve and routers become primary targets for malicious actors. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) protocol, while designed for ease of use, is often exploited due to its vulnerability to brute-force attacks, making it one of the first features to consider disabling. Similarly, scrutinizing and potentially turning off Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is crucial, as its automatic port forwarding capabilities can be abused by malware to bypass firewall protections. Network administrators should also pay close attention to the router’s remote management settings, as leaving them enabled exposes the device to unauthorized access from the internet; therefore, understanding what to disable to harden a router is paramount for security. Moreover, the default Service Set Identifier (SSID), or network name, broadcasts valuable information to potential attackers and should be customized to something less obvious.

Securing Your Digital Gateway: The Importance of Router Security

Your router stands as the gatekeeper of your digital life, controlling the flow of all data entering and exiting your network. It’s the first line of defense against cyber threats, making its security paramount. Neglecting router security can expose your personal information, devices, and entire network to significant risk.

Routers: The Control Point for Network Traffic

Routers act as traffic directors for your network. All data packets from the internet, destined for your computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and other connected devices, must pass through the router. Similarly, all data sent from your devices to the internet are routed via it.

This central position gives the router immense power. It determines which devices can communicate with each other and which external connections are allowed. The router’s configurations dictate the security posture of your whole local network.

Consequences of Router Vulnerabilities: A Cascade of Risks

A compromised router is akin to leaving your front door wide open. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your network and its connected devices.

Data Breaches

Routers handle sensitive data, including login credentials, browsing history, and personal information. A compromised router can allow attackers to intercept this data or redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal your credentials or other sensitive data.

Data breaches stemming from router vulnerabilities can lead to identity theft, financial losses, and severe privacy violations.

Malware Infections

Attackers can use a compromised router to spread malware to every device connected to the network. This malware can range from annoying adware to ransomware that locks your files and demands payment for their release.

A compromised router can also be used to launch attacks on other networks, effectively turning your network into a botnet without your knowledge. This can lead to legal repercussions and reputational damage.

Compromised Devices

Attackers can use a compromised router to gain full control over connected devices. They can remotely access your computers, smartphones, and other smart devices, installing malicious software, stealing data, or even using them to spy on you.

Smart home devices, such as security cameras and smart locks, become particularly vulnerable when the router is compromised, potentially granting attackers access to your home or sensitive recordings.

Scope of This Guide: Home and Small Office Routers

This guide focuses on hardening the security of home and small office routers. These routers are often overlooked when it comes to security, yet they are frequently targeted by attackers due to their widespread use and often-lax security configurations.

We will explore practical steps to identify and mitigate common vulnerabilities, focusing on features that can be disabled or configured securely. The techniques presented are designed to be accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, providing clear, actionable steps to improve router security.

Identifying Router Weaknesses: Common Vulnerabilities and Misconfigurations

Before embarking on a security hardening journey, it’s crucial to understand the common vulnerabilities that plague routers. Identifying these weaknesses allows you to proactively address them and strengthen your network’s defenses. Many routers, especially those used in homes and small offices, ship with default configurations or enabled features that can be easily exploited by attackers. Recognizing and rectifying these misconfigurations is a fundamental step toward a more secure network.

Common Router Vulnerabilities

Routers, despite their crucial role, often present a myriad of security flaws stemming from oversight, convenience, or simply a lack of awareness on the part of the user. Understanding the technical specifics of these vulnerabilities is essential for implementing effective countermeasures.

Default Passwords: The Welcome Mat for Hackers

Routers are typically pre-configured with default usernames and passwords that are widely known and easily found online. Leaving these credentials unchanged is akin to leaving your front door unlocked.

Attackers frequently use automated tools to scan networks for routers with default credentials, granting them instant access upon discovery.

Examples of common default credentials include:

• username: admin, password: password
• username: admin, password: (blank)
• username: root, password: admin

Failing to change these immediately opens your network to a wide range of attacks. Always prioritize setting a strong, unique password.

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play): Convenience at the Cost of Security

UPnP is designed to simplify network configuration by allowing devices to automatically discover each other and open ports on the router. While convenient, this feature can be highly insecure.

Malicious software can exploit UPnP to open ports without your knowledge or consent, bypassing firewall protections and potentially exposing your devices to external threats. A rogue application could silently forward ports, allowing attackers direct access to internal systems.

It’s advisable to disable UPnP unless absolutely necessary for specific applications. If required, carefully monitor UPnP activity and disable any suspicious port forwardings.

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): A PIN Vulnerability

WPS was created to simplify the process of connecting devices to a Wi-Fi network using an eight-digit PIN. However, the WPS PIN implementation has a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to easily crack the PIN.

Due to design flaws, the PIN can be brute-forced in a matter of hours using readily available tools. Once the PIN is compromised, attackers can obtain the Wi-Fi password and gain unauthorized access to your network.

The recommended security best practice is to disable WPS entirely. Using a strong, complex Wi-Fi password and WPA3 encryption provides significantly better protection.

Telnet: Unencrypted Exposure

Telnet is a protocol used for remote access to network devices. However, Telnet transmits data, including usernames and passwords, in plain text, making it highly vulnerable to eavesdropping.

Any attacker who intercepts Telnet traffic can easily steal your credentials and gain control of your router. Telnet should never be used on a network that transmits sensitive information.

If remote access is required, use SSH (Secure Shell) instead, which encrypts all traffic. Disabling Telnet completely is the safest option if SSH is available.

Remote Management: A Gateway for External Attacks

Enabling remote management allows you to access your router’s settings from outside your local network. While this can be convenient, it significantly increases the attack surface of your router.

Attackers can attempt to brute-force your router’s credentials or exploit vulnerabilities in the remote management interface. If remote management is enabled without proper security measures, your router becomes a prime target for attackers.

The best practice is to disable remote management entirely unless absolutely necessary. If required, restrict access to specific IP addresses or use a VPN to securely connect to your network before accessing the router’s settings.

Port Forwarding: Selective Exposure

Port forwarding allows external traffic to be directed to specific devices on your local network. While necessary for some applications (e.g., hosting a game server), unnecessary port forwards create security risks.

Each open port provides a potential entry point for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in the targeted device. Carefully review all port forwarding rules and remove any that are no longer needed.

Only forward ports that are absolutely required, and ensure that the devices behind those ports are properly secured and up-to-date with the latest security patches.

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): A High-Risk Configuration

A DMZ places a device outside the router’s firewall, exposing it directly to the internet. This is typically used for devices that need to accept incoming connections, but it carries significant security risks.

Any vulnerabilities in a device within the DMZ can be exploited by attackers to gain access to your network. Placing a device in the DMZ should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and the device is hardened against attacks.

Consider alternative solutions such as port forwarding or using a more secure device as a gateway instead of placing a device directly in the DMZ.

Web GUI (Administration Interface): Securing the Control Panel

The web GUI is the interface you use to configure your router’s settings. Securing this interface is paramount, as it controls all aspects of your network’s security.

Using a weak or default password for the web GUI allows attackers to easily gain complete control of your router. Always use a strong, unique password for the web GUI, and consider enabling two-factor authentication if available.

Furthermore, regularly check for firmware updates to patch any known vulnerabilities in the web GUI and other router components.

Firmware Updates: Patching the Gaps

Routers, like any other software-driven device, are susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Firmware updates contain patches that address these vulnerabilities and improve the router’s overall security.

Failing to install firmware updates leaves your router exposed to known exploits that attackers can readily use. Enable automatic firmware updates if available, or regularly check the manufacturer’s website for updates and install them promptly.

Treat firmware updates as essential security maintenance for your router. Neglecting this can render all other security measures ineffective.

Feature Assessment: Balancing Functionality and Security

Beyond outright vulnerabilities, certain router features, while offering convenience or specialized functionality, can inadvertently introduce security risks if not properly understood and configured.

SSID Broadcasting (SSID Visibility): Hiding is Not Security

Hiding your SSID (network name) might seem like a security measure, but it offers minimal protection. While it prevents casual users from seeing your network in a list of available networks, it does not deter determined attackers.

Attackers can easily discover hidden SSIDs using readily available tools. Furthermore, hiding the SSID can sometimes cause compatibility issues with certain devices.

Focus on strong password and encryption (WPA3) instead of relying on SSID hiding for security.

Guest Network: Segmentation and Isolation

A guest network provides a separate network for visitors, isolating them from your primary network. This prevents guests from accessing your personal files and devices.

Properly configure the guest network to prevent access to your primary network’s resources. Limit the guest network’s bandwidth and disable features like file sharing.

A well-configured guest network enhances security and protects your sensitive data.

IPv6: Addressing the Future, Securely

IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol, designed to replace IPv4. While offering numerous advantages, IPv6 also introduces new security considerations.

Ensure your router’s firewall is properly configured for IPv6 traffic. Pay attention to address privacy extensions, which help prevent tracking of your device’s IPv6 address. Understand how IPv6 addressing works and configure your firewall accordingly.

Properly securing IPv6 is essential for a secure network in the long term.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) Server Functionality: Reduce the Attack Surface

Some routers offer built-in VPN server functionality, allowing you to securely connect to your home network from remote locations. However, if you don’t use this feature, it’s best to disable it to reduce the attack surface.

Any unused features represent potential attack vectors. Disabling the VPN server eliminates this risk if you don’t need remote access.

Only enable the VPN server if you actively use it for secure remote access. Be sure to use a strong pre-shared key and keep the server software up to date.

QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritization Without Peril

QoS prioritizes network traffic to ensure smooth performance for critical applications like video conferencing. However, default QoS settings can sometimes be exploited by attackers.

Review your router’s QoS settings and ensure they are not inadvertently prioritizing malicious traffic. Attackers may attempt to flood your network with low-priority traffic, effectively denying bandwidth to legitimate applications.

Understand how your router’s QoS implementation works and configure it to prioritize legitimate traffic while mitigating potential abuse.

DHCP Server (on the WAN side): A Critical Misconfiguration

A DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on your network. It should only be enabled on the LAN (local network) side of your router.

Enabling DHCP on the WAN (wide area network) interface is a serious security risk. It allows external devices to obtain IP addresses from your router, potentially granting them unauthorized access to your network.

Double-check that DHCP is only enabled on the LAN interface and disabled on the WAN interface. This is a critical security measure.

Firewall (SPI Firewall, NAT Firewall): The Foundation of Network Security

Your router’s firewall is the first line of defense against external threats. It inspects network traffic and blocks malicious packets from reaching your devices.

Ensure your firewall is enabled and properly configured. Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewalls provide more comprehensive protection than basic firewalls by tracking the state of network connections.

Network Address Translation (NAT) further enhances security by hiding the internal IP addresses of your devices from the internet.

A properly configured firewall is essential for protecting your network from a wide range of attacks.

DNS (Domain Name System): Guarding Against Hijacking

DNS translates domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses. Using insecure DNS servers can expose you to DNS hijacking, where attackers redirect you to malicious websites.

Configure your router to use secure DNS servers such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8). These servers offer enhanced security and privacy compared to the default DNS servers provided by your ISP.

Using secure DNS servers helps prevent phishing attacks and other online threats.

Fortifying Your Router: Practical Security Hardening Techniques

Once you’ve identified the potential weaknesses in your router’s configuration, it’s time to take action. Hardening your router involves implementing a series of practical security measures to mitigate risks and protect your network from unauthorized access. This section provides a step-by-step guide to securing your router, addressing common vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

Essential Security Practices

Implementing these fundamental security practices will significantly enhance your router’s defenses. Consistency and diligence are key to maintaining a secure network environment.

Changing Default Credentials: A Critical First Step

The very first action you must take is changing the default username and password. Default credentials are a widely known security risk.

Access your router’s web GUI by entering its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in your web browser.

Navigate to the administration or system settings section and locate the password settings. Create a strong, unique password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name, birthday, or address. Document the password in a safe location (password manager) and replace any default username too.

Disabling UPnP: Balancing Convenience with Security

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) can simplify network configuration, but also introduces security vulnerabilities. Unless you specifically need UPnP for certain applications (e.g., some older online games or media servers), it’s best to disable it.

In your router’s web GUI, look for the UPnP settings (usually under advanced settings or firewall). Disable the UPnP feature to prevent unauthorized port forwarding. If you require UPnP for a specific application, consider the security implications carefully. Continuously monitor UPnP logs for any suspicious activity.

Disabling WPS: Eliminating a Major Vulnerability

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) has a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to easily crack the WPS PIN and gain unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network. Disable WPS entirely to eliminate this security risk.

Locate the WPS settings in your router’s web GUI (usually under wireless settings or security settings). Disable WPS to prevent attackers from exploiting the PIN vulnerability. Use a strong, complex Wi-Fi password and WPA3 encryption for a more robust security posture.

Disabling Telnet: Embracing Secure Alternatives

Telnet transmits data in plain text, making it highly vulnerable to eavesdropping. Telnet must be disabled on your router. Use SSH (Secure Shell) if remote access is required as it encrypts all traffic, protecting your credentials and data.

Access your router’s web GUI and locate the Telnet settings (often under administration or services). Disable Telnet to prevent unencrypted remote access. Enable SSH if you need remote access and ensure it’s configured with a strong password or key-based authentication.

Disabling or Restricting Remote Management: Limiting Exposure

Enabling remote management allows you to access your router’s settings from outside your local network, but it significantly increases the attack surface. Disable remote management entirely unless absolutely necessary. If remote management is required, restrict access to specific IP addresses.

In your router’s web GUI, find the remote management settings (usually under administration or security). Disable remote management to prevent external access. If you need remote access, restrict access to specific IP addresses to limit the potential for unauthorized access. Use a VPN for added security when accessing your router remotely.

Reviewing and Minimizing Port Forwarding Rules: A Necessary Prudence

Unnecessary port forwards create security risks by providing potential entry points for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. Regularly review all port forwarding rules and remove any that are no longer needed. Document why a specific port is forwarded.

Access your router’s web GUI and navigate to the port forwarding settings (usually under advanced settings or NAT). Review all port forwarding rules and remove any that are no longer necessary. Only forward ports that are absolutely required, and ensure that the devices behind those ports are properly secured and up-to-date with the latest security patches. Monitor traffic on forwarded ports for suspicious activity.

Avoiding the Use of DMZ: A High-Risk Configuration

A DMZ places a device outside the router’s firewall, exposing it directly to the internet. Using a DMZ should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Consider alternative solutions such as port forwarding or using a more secure device as a gateway.

In your router’s web GUI, locate the DMZ settings (usually under advanced settings or firewall). Avoid placing any devices in the DMZ unless absolutely necessary. If a DMZ is required, ensure the device within the DMZ is hardened against attacks and regularly updated with security patches. Consider using port forwarding to only expose the necessary services on the device.

Ensuring a Strong Password for the Web GUI: Protecting the Control Panel

The web GUI is the interface you use to configure your router’s settings. Using a strong, unique password for the web GUI is essential for preventing unauthorized access to your router’s configuration. Consider enabling two-factor authentication if available.

Access your router’s web GUI and navigate to the administration or system settings section. Create a strong, unique password for the web GUI that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information. Enable two-factor authentication if available for added security.

Enabling Automatic Firmware Updates: Staying Ahead of Threats

Firmware updates contain patches that address security vulnerabilities and improve the router’s overall security. Enable automatic firmware updates if available, or regularly check the manufacturer’s website for updates and install them promptly.

In your router’s web GUI, look for the firmware update settings (usually under administration or system). Enable automatic firmware updates if available. If automatic updates are not available, regularly check the manufacturer’s website for updates and install them manually. Test firmware updates in a non-production environment before deploying them to your primary router.

Firewall Configuration: The Foundation of Network Security

Your router’s firewall is the first line of defense against external threats. Ensure your firewall is enabled and properly configured. Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewalls provide more comprehensive protection than basic firewalls. Network Address Translation (NAT) further enhances security by hiding the internal IP addresses of your devices from the internet.

Access your router’s web GUI and navigate to the firewall settings (usually under security or advanced settings). Ensure the firewall is enabled. Enable SPI if available for enhanced protection. Verify that NAT is enabled to hide your internal IP addresses. Configure intrusion detection/prevention features if available to detect and block malicious traffic. Regularly review firewall logs for suspicious activity.

Monitoring and Assessment: Using Tools to Verify Router Security

Securing your router isn’t a one-time task; it requires continuous monitoring and assessment to detect and respond to potential threats effectively. This section introduces several valuable tools and techniques for verifying your router’s security posture. Proactive monitoring allows you to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Essential Tools for Router Security Assessment

Several software tools can aid in assessing your router’s security. These tools can identify open ports, analyze network traffic, and highlight potential vulnerabilities.

Nmap: Scanning for Open Ports and Identifying Services

Nmap (“Network Mapper”) is a powerful, open-source tool used for network discovery and security auditing. It works by sending packets to target devices and analyzing the responses. This allows you to identify open ports, the services running on those ports, and even the operating system of the target device. While Nmap is very powerful, it should be used responsibly and only on networks you own or have explicit permission to scan.

To use Nmap effectively for router security assessment:

• Install Nmap on your computer. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Identify your router’s IP address. This is typically found in your operating system’s network settings or by using the `ipconfig` (Windows) or `ifconfig` (macOS/Linux) command.
• Run an Nmap scan targeting your router’s IP address. A basic scan can be performed using the command `nmap [router’s IP address]`. More advanced scans can identify service versions or perform vulnerability assessments.

Analyze the scan results. Pay close attention to any open ports that you didn’t explicitly configure. These could represent potential vulnerabilities. Investigate any unfamiliar services running on your router.

Wireshark: Analyzing Network Traffic for Suspicious Activity

Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer. It captures network traffic and allows you to examine the contents of individual packets. This is invaluable for identifying suspicious activity, such as unencrypted data transmissions or unusual communication patterns. Bear in mind that analyzing network traffic requires a strong understanding of networking protocols.

To use Wireshark for router security analysis:

• Download and install Wireshark on your computer.
• Start Wireshark and select the network interface connected to your router.
• Begin capturing network traffic.
• Apply filters to focus on specific types of traffic. For example, you can filter by IP address, protocol (e.g., HTTP, FTP), or port number.

Analyze the captured traffic. Look for unencrypted data being transmitted (especially passwords), communication with unknown or suspicious IP addresses, and unusual patterns in the traffic flow. It is important to note that much of modern web traffic is encrypted (HTTPS), so you won’t be able to see the content of those communications without additional steps like SSL decryption (which is complex and may not be possible).

Shodan: Identifying Publicly Exposed Routers and Potential Vulnerabilities

Shodan is a search engine for internet-connected devices. Unlike Google, which indexes websites, Shodan indexes devices like routers, webcams, and industrial control systems. It can be used to identify publicly exposed routers and potentially reveal vulnerabilities based on banner information and open ports. It’s crucial to understand that using Shodan to access or attempt to exploit vulnerabilities on devices you do not own or have permission to access is illegal and unethical.

To use Shodan for router security awareness:

• Visit the Shodan website and create an account.
• Search for your router’s public IP address. You can find your public IP address by searching “what is my IP” on Google.
• Review the information Shodan provides about your router. Check for open ports, the router’s model number, and any potential vulnerabilities that Shodan might highlight.

If Shodan reveals that your router is exposing unnecessary services or has known vulnerabilities, take immediate action to mitigate those risks.

Regular Log Monitoring: Identifying Anomalies and Security Breaches

Your router generates logs that record various events, including network connections, firewall activity, and system errors. Regularly reviewing these logs is essential for identifying anomalies and potential security breaches. Setting up remote logging to a dedicated server allows for long-term analysis and easier correlation of events.

To implement effective log monitoring:

• Access your router’s web GUI and locate the system log settings.
• Enable logging if it’s not already enabled.
• Configure the router to send logs to a remote syslog server for long-term storage and analysis. Tools like Graylog or Splunk can be used to analyze large volumes of log data efficiently.

Regularly review the logs, looking for:

• Unusual login attempts
• Firewall blocks of suspicious traffic
• System errors
• Unexpected reboots
• Changes to router configuration settings

By diligently monitoring your router’s logs, you can detect potential security incidents early and take appropriate action. If you identify anything suspicious, research it thoroughly and take steps to address the underlying vulnerability. Log monitoring is a critical aspect of maintaining a secure network environment.

Staying Secure: Continuous Learning and Maintaining Router Security

Securing your router is not a “set it and forget it” endeavor. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new vulnerabilities and attack vectors emerging regularly. Therefore, continuous learning and proactive maintenance are paramount to ensuring the long-term security of your home or small office network. This section provides guidance on staying informed about the latest threats and best practices, empowering you to proactively manage your router’s security.

The Importance of Ongoing Education

Relying solely on initial security configurations leaves you vulnerable to newly discovered exploits. To stay ahead of potential threats, it’s crucial to adopt a mindset of continuous learning. This involves actively seeking out information, understanding emerging threats, and adapting your security practices accordingly. Ignorance, in this case, is a significant risk factor.

Key Resources for Staying Informed

Numerous resources are available to help you stay up-to-date on router security best practices and emerging threats. Here are some key sources to consider:

Following Security Researchers and Their Findings

Independent security researchers play a vital role in discovering and reporting vulnerabilities. Following their work can provide early warnings about potential threats. Consider following reputable researchers and security blogs such as:

• Troy Hunt: Known for his work on data breaches and the "Have I Been Pwned?" service.
• Bruce Schneier: A renowned cryptographer and security expert.
• KrebsOnSecurity: Brian Krebs’ blog, covering cybersecurity news and investigations.
• The Hacker News: A widely read source for cybersecurity news and analysis.

By monitoring these sources, you can gain valuable insights into emerging threats and learn about effective mitigation strategies.

Consulting Resources from NIST and OWASP

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) are valuable resources for security best practices.

• NIST provides a wealth of cybersecurity guidance, including publications on secure configuration and vulnerability management.
• OWASP focuses on web application security and offers resources such as the OWASP Top Ten, which highlights the most critical web application security risks.

While focused on broader cybersecurity topics, NIST and OWASP resources contain principles and practices applicable to router security as well.

Understanding General Security Advice from Router Manufacturers and IEEE

Your router manufacturer’s website is a primary source of information about your specific device. Check for security advisories, firmware updates, and configuration recommendations.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) develops standards for networking technologies. While not always directly applicable to consumer routers, understanding IEEE standards can provide a broader understanding of network security principles.

However, be critically aware that manufacturer’s advice could be motivated by marketing. Perform your own research and double-check advice from those who have financial incentives.

The Role of The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is responsible for developing and promoting voluntary Internet standards, including those related to security protocols such as TLS/SSL, IPsec, and DNSSEC. While the IETF doesn’t directly offer advice for specific router models, understanding their work provides insight into the underlying technologies that secure the Internet.

If you’re interested in the technical details of Internet security, exploring IETF Request for Comments (RFCs) can be beneficial.

The Imperative of Firmware Updates

Regular firmware updates are the single most important step you can take to maintain your router’s security. Firmware updates often include critical security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Failing to update your router’s firmware leaves it exposed to known exploits.

Enable automatic firmware updates, if available, and regularly check for updates manually if automatic updates are not supported. Ignoring firmware updates is akin to leaving your front door unlocked.

Proactive Security Measures

In addition to staying informed and applying firmware updates, take a proactive approach to router security. This includes:

• Regularly reviewing your router’s configuration settings.
• Monitoring your network for suspicious activity.
• Testing your router’s security using the tools discussed in the previous section.
• Staying informed about emerging threats and adapting your security practices accordingly.

By adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a router-based attack.

Staying secure in the digital realm demands diligence and a commitment to continuous learning. By actively seeking knowledge, staying informed about emerging threats, and implementing proactive security measures, you can safeguard your router and protect your network from potential attacks.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this guide gives you a solid starting point for what to disable to harden a router in 2024. Remember to test any changes you make to ensure they don’t disrupt your network functionality, and keep an eye out for future updates as the threat landscape continues to evolve. Happy securing!