Before your router even connects to the internet, change these 6 settings
When setting up a new router, it's important to adjust key settings before connecting to the internet to enhance security and performance. Default configurations often prioritize ease of setup over safety, leaving networks vulnerable. Updating firmware, changing admin credentials, and disabling outdated features like WPS are essential steps for a secure network.
- ▪Update your router's firmware immediately and enable automatic updates to patch security vulnerabilities.
- ▪Change the default admin password and username to prevent unauthorized access, even if the router has unique per-device credentials.
- ▪Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) due to well-documented security flaws that allow brute-force attacks.
- ▪Use a wired connection to access the router’s admin panel during initial setup for a more secure configuration process.
- ▪Some routers allow selecting security-only automatic updates to avoid potential issues from full feature updates.
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