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How to Hack-Proof Your Wireless Router

Maybe not hack-proof, but at least hack-resistant

By Andy O'Donnell Andy O'Donnell Writer Auburn University Andy O'Donnell, MA, is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a senior security engineer who is active in internet and network security. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 14, 2022 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

What to Know

Enable WPA2 or WPA3 wireless encryption, then create a strong network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi key.Turn on your wireless router's firewall, or use an encrypted VPN service.Turn off the admin via wireless feature on your router. This article explains how to hack-proof your wireless router. Instructions apply broadly to all Wi-Fi router brands and models.

Enable WPA2 or WPA3 Wireless Encryption

If you aren't using a minimum of Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption to protect your wireless network, this leaves your network wide open because hackers can virtually walk into your network. If you use outdated Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security, which can be cracked in seconds by most hackers, upgrade to WPA2 or preferably WPA3, which is backward compatible with WPA2. Older routers may need a firmware upgrade to add WPA2 or WPA3 functionality. Check your router manufacturer's manual to learn how to enable WPA2\WPA3 wireless encryption on your router. GodfriedEdelman / Getty Images

Create a Strong SSID Network Name and Pre-Shared Key

You will also need to make a strong SSID (wireless network name). If you use the router's default network name (for example, Linksys, Netgear, or DLINK), then you make it easier for hackers to hack your network. Using a default SSID or a common one helps hackers crack your encryption because they can use prebuilt rainbow tables associated with common SSID names to crack your wireless encryption. Create a lengthy and random SSID name even though it might be hard to remember. You should also use a strong password for your pre-shared key to further discourage hacking attempts.

Turn on Your Wireless Router' s Firewall

If you haven't done so, enable your wireless router's built-in firewall. Enabling the firewall can make your network less visible to hackers looking for targets on the internet. Many router-based firewalls have a stealth mode that you can enable to reduce your network's visibility. Also, test your firewall to ensure that you have configured it correctly.

Use an Encrypted Personal VPN Service at the Router Level

Virtual private networks used to be a luxury that only large corporations could afford. Now you can buy a personal VPN service for a small monthly fee. A personal VPN is one of the biggest roadblocks you can throw at a hacker. A personal VPN anonymizes your true location with a proxied IP address and puts up a wall of strong encryption to protect your network traffic. You can purchase a personal VPN service from vendors such as WiTopia, StrongVPN, and others for as little as $10 a month or less. If your router supports personal VPN service at the router level, this is the best way to implement a personal VPN. It allows you to encrypt all traffic entering and leaving your network without the hassle of setting up VPN client software on your computers. Using a personal VPN service at the router level also takes the encryption process burden off of your client PCs and other devices. If you want to use a personal VPN at the router level, check to see if your router is VPN-capable. Many manufacturers have several models of routers with this capability.

Disable the Admin via Wireless Feature on Your Router

Another way to prevent hackers from messing with your wireless router is to disable the admin via wireless setting. When you disable the admin via wireless feature on your router, it makes it so that only someone who is physically connected to your router with an Ethernet cable can access the admin features of your wireless router. This prevents someone from driving by your house and accessing the administrative functions of your router if they compromised your Wi-Fi encryption. Given enough time and resources, a hacker might be able to hack into your network. However, taking the steps above will make your network a harder target, hopefully frustrating hackers and causing them to move on to an easier target. How to Hide Your Modem and Router

Can I Really Make My Router Hack-Proof

Your wireless router is a prime target for hackers who want to infiltrate your network or freeload off of your Wi-Fi connection. Just like nothing is completely waterproof, there's no such thing as hack-proof or hacker-proof, but you can make systems that are "hacker-resistant." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Encrypt Your Wireless Network How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error How to Kick People off Your Wi-Fi An Overview of Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) How to Fix a "Failed to Obtain IP Address" Android Error When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices How to Connect a Router to the Internet Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips 5 Tips for Securing Your Wireless Network What Are WEP and WPA? Which Is Best? Securing the New Wireless Router What Is a Public IP Address? (and How to Find Yours) Can a Router Get a Virus? Is It Safe to Use an Open Wireless Network? How to Enable Your Wireless Router's Built-In Firewall How to Secure Your Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies

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How to Hack Proof Your Wireless Router