US is Considering Banning TP-Link Routers Over Cybersecurity Risks Next Year if ongoing investigations find that their use in cyberattacks poses a national security risk.
Microsoft have reported an emerging threat in the US for TP-Link routers. Microsoft have found that threat actors are mainly targeting routers and networking devices from TP-Link.
When the devices are compromised, the threat actors deploy custom malware that allows remote access to home and business networks. Allowing them to steal login credentials and monitor networks.
Steps UK Businesses and Home Users Can Take
The first that comes to mind, buy a new router with WPA3. Speedster IT team can help recommend a new router for business users.
Best Security Practises for a New Router
Change Default Passwords: Replace the default admin password with a strong, unique one to prevent unauthorized access.
Disable Remote Management: Turn off remote management features to reduce the risk of external attacks.
Use Strong Encryption Such as WPA3: Enable WPA3 encryption to secure your wireless network.
Create A Guest Network: Set up a separate network for guests to keep your main network secure.
Use A Firewall: Enable the router’s firewall to block unauthorized access.
Change The SSID: Rename your network to something unique to avoid revealing the router’s brand or model.
Using Mac Filtering: Restrict network access to specific devices by their MAC addresses.
Ensure Strong Encryption: Always use the strongest encryption available to protect your network.
Limit WPS: Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to prevent easy access to your network.
Disabling SSID Broadcast: Hide your network name to make it less visible to potential attackers.
Disable UPNP: Turn off Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) to prevent automatic port forwarding.
Use Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords for both your Wi-Fi and router admin access.
Enable Network Encryption: Ensure your network is encrypted to protect data transmission.
Monthly on-going Router Security Maintenance
Regularly Update Firmware: Keep your router’s firmware up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
Monitor Network Activity: Regularly check for unusual activity to detect potential security threats.
Educate Users: Inform all users about safe internet practices and the importance of network security.
Regularly Review Security Settings: Periodically review and update your router’s security settings.
Use A VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy.
Upgrade Router Firmware Regularly: Ensure your router’s firmware is always up to date for the latest security patches.
Review Connected Devices: Regularly check which devices are connected to your network and remove any unknown ones.
Update Firmware: Keep your router’s firmware updated to protect against new threats.
Keep Your Router Up to Date: Regularly check for and install firmware updates.
Turn Off the Router Often: Power off your router when not in use to reduce the risk of attacks.
By following these best practices and maintenance tips, you can significantly enhance the security of your network and protect your sensitive information from potential threats.