A completely secure network cannot be guaranteed. Devices on the Internet send and receive information using Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, which are unique identifiers for each device. As a result, connecting to the Internet creates risk.
To offset the potential risks of using the Internet, follow security best practices:
- Use strong passwords for your login credentials. Make sure that your passwords follow all of these guidelines:
- Longer than six characters in length
- Contain letters, numbers, and symbols
- Contain a mix of upper and lowercase letters
- Do not use sequential numbers because they are easier for hackers to guess
- Keep the firmware of your router, devices, and browsers up to date. Security fixes and improvements are sometimes included in firmware updates. Keeping your firmware updated helps keep your devices secure from current and future vulnerabilities.
- If your router supports it, change your WiFi security option to WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access). WPA3 is the latest WiFi encryption standard. WPA technology encrypts user data and protects wireless networks from outside threats.
- Make sure that remote management access is disabled on your router. Remote Management is a feature that lets you connect to your router or gateway over the Internet when you are not at home. Most people do not need to use this feature, and it is turned off by default. We recommend keeping this feature disabled so that your router is not discoverable by devices that are not connected to your network.
- Subscribe to NETGEAR Armor to improve your Armor protection level and increase your network security. NETGEAR Armor is an advanced multi-layer cyber security solution that protects your network and individual devices. NETGEAR Armor protects your devices from viruses, spyware, hackers, spam, and phishing.
- Set up a separate network for guests or IoT (Internet of things) devices. It can be difficult to know if your friends’ and family members’ devices are secure. A secondary network for these devices to connect to can help minimize possible cyberattacks or exposure to your home devices. A separate network for IoT devices, which are often not as secure as client devices (mobile phones, laptops, tablets), serves the same purpose.
For more information:
- How can I reduce my risk of exposure to CSRF, XSRF, or XSS attacks?
- What is WPA3 and how does it work with my NETGEAR AX router?
- How do I turn off Remote Management on my NETGEAR router or gateway?
- How do I improve my NETGEAR Armor protection level?
- What features does NETGEAR Armor offer?
Last Updated:07/07/2025
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Article ID: 000063525