Your router is the doorway to your network, control it and you have a pretty good shot at getting access to just about anything else behind it. Large networks usually have a firewall located directly behind the router while smaller networks tend to have a router that serves as both a firewall and router. Regardless of which topology you use this article will help you secure your router and keep the bad guys out.

Cover the basics first. Keep your router in a secured place in your workplace, if it's in a closet, lock the door. Change all the usernames and passwords from the default. I would also suggest not using the same username and password you use for email or network logins. For a username don't use Admin, Administrator or root. For a password use a combination of numbers and letters.

Remote management of routers is usually required but don't open it up to everybody. Telnet is not secure, if you are using Cisco, 3com, Juniper or any other router that utilizes telnet to configure it look into replacing it with SSH. Your router vendor's website should have instructions on how to do this.

Now that you have SSH setup only allow certain IP addresses to access the router utilize SSH. This is one of the most effective security parameters you can do. Limit access only to the computers you know are allowed to access your router. This step is often hard to implement if you use a lot of consultants, although it is worth the effort if it can be done.

Take advantage of maximum logins. Most of the business class routers can deny access for a period of time if an IP address if it has entered 3 bad password combinations. This will prevent a hacker from using a dictionary style attack.

Keep your eye out for updates, but be cautious with them. If your network is running great and hasn't had any problems or security issues, find out what the update does for you. If the update addresses security flaws by all means use it, if it doesn't and you're not having any other issues, I would consider giving it a little a time before you install it.

Nothing is 100% hacker proof, although utilizing these security tips is a great start to help keep the hackers at bay. If you have questions or comments on implementing any of these strategies feel free to send an email to articles@allsystemsup.net. If you need some Network Support for your office give us a call.