Tech Tips
What are the most important things to do when you get your new router or DSL/Cable Modem?
When you get your new modem/router it will have some sort of default setup and probably have the usernames and passwords listed on the bottom of it. Although the usernames and passwords are long and quite hard to remember (which makes them safer) they should be changed. Follow these simple setup tips to ensure you are not a victim of cyber-crime.
1.) Change the username and password used to access your modem/router. Use uppercase, lowercase and alphanumeric characters at least 8 characters minimum.
2.) Change the wireless SSID and key used for wireless access. Make sure you are using WPA2 security and AES encryption. Use uppercase, lowercase and alphanumeric characters at least 8 characters minimum for key. SSID can be anything. Don't use your name as the SSID, but rather something you will know is yours. Using your name advertises its your internet connection.
3.) Make sure that remote access to Admin interface is disabled.
4.) Make sure UPNP is disabled.
5.) Make sure Ping Testing is disabled.
6.) Make sure your firewall is setup at minimum to use NAT (Network Address Translation) and not allow any incoming ports. If you are hosting services you will use Port Forwarding to allow access to your services.
7.) Make sure DMZ is disabled.
8.) Turn off Network Map / List / Overview or make it accessible only when you are logged in to the modem/router.
9.) Turn on any additional Firewall Features such as SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) and D/DOS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection.
10.) Monitor your security logs frequently or turn on ability for them to be sent to you via email.