Your Netgear Nighthawk router plays an important role especially when it comes to making impossible things possible and that can only be executed by using the internet. With an amazing experience of online streaming, web surfing, gaming, etc. users usually forget to protect their WiFi router from hackers’ attack.
In case, your Netgear router got hacked, then everything on your internet can be in danger. Hold on! We are not threatening you. Instead, we are awaking you from the ongoing threats! By following a few simple steps, you can easily protect your Netgear Nighthawk router from the hackers’ attack. Let’s take the plunge!
Change Netgear Router Default Password
The first and foremost precaution you must take for the protection of your WiFi router is to change the default admin details after the Netgear router setup process. Changing the router’s default admin password might help in preventing anonymous or unknown person to get access to your home WiFi network.
Set A Strong And Unique Password
You might be knowing that every router comes with a default username and password, which is needed to install your device in the first place. Right? As discussed earlier – it is easy for hackers to guess the default login credentials, especially if they know the manufacturer of the device.
So, make sure you change the login credentials immediately. A strong WiFi password should be about 18-2020 characters long including numbers, letters, various symbols, and lack of dictionary words. It is also recommended – do not use the following:
- Birth days including spouse, mother, father, children and of course yours.
- Contact details.
- Do not use the passwords that are same on your bank accounts, credit cards, emails, etc.
Turn Off Home WiFi Network
In order to secure your home WiFi network from hackers’ attack, it is strongly recommended you – disable your home WiFi network. In case of extended periods of non-use – you must do the same thing with all your smart devices that are using the wired connection or when you are not at home.
Doing so will close the doors of opportunity malicious attacks that are attempting to get access to it while you are away from your home.
Update Netgear Router Firmware
A regular Netgear firmware update may help in reducing the risk of being attacked. If your WiFi router is running the outdated firmware version, it would be easier for them to crack the security. To fix this issue, update your router’s firmware.
Turn Off Remote Administration
This might be another step in preventing your home WiFi network from hackers attack. It is advised – disabling the remote administration feature of your Netgear router by accessing the routerlogin.net login page. Disabling this feature can prevent intruders to find a way onto your WiFi network.
Disable UPnP and WPS
Many features of your Netgear Nighthawk router is enabled already by default at the time of purchase. Ahhh! It can be a big thing to worry about. It can be a potential approach for unknown people. WPS (WiFi-Protected Setup) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) features are the most commonly known features among others. On the off chance that you don’t want to invite threats to your home WiFi network, disable both the features right away. You can easily disable WPS and UPnP by accessing the dashboard of your WiFi router via Netgear router IP address.
Monitor Your Home Network
It is important to have a tab on the wired and wireless devices that are connected to your WiFi network. Doing so might help you finding the unknown users and devices connected to the internet
In the event you find any unauthorized access to your WiFi network from a particular person or a device, disable it right now.
Bonus Tip: Installing and downloading Netgear Nighthawk app will help you in monitoring, controlling, and managing your home network from a mobile device or wireless computer remotely from anywhere.
The Final Words
We hope that the tips and tricks given in this post to protect your Netgear Nighthawk router from hackers attack have helped you out. If you have any other suggestions in your mind that can secure a home WiFi network, do share that with your fellow readers through the comments section.
You are more than a welcome to share your queries and feedback about the post without any hesitation. See you again!