The Wi-Fi router in your home serves as the network's hub, through which all data travelling to and from Wi-Fi-enabled devices inside your walls must transit. That is a significant amount of information, making privacy a legitimate area for worry when selecting one.

The issue is that it's quite difficult for the typical customer to learn much about the privacy policies of the businesses that manufacture and sell routers. Most privacy policies do a terrible job of explaining data collecting activities because they are already confusing. It takes considerable effort for even one manufacturer, let alone several, to read through the extensive legalese that fills them. Even if you get that far, you'll probably still have more questions than you do answers.

1. Encrypt the network.

Data sent across your network is encrypted and then scrambled. It becomes more difficult for others to observe your activities or obtain your personal information as a result. Changing your router's settings to WPA3 Personal or WPA2 Personal is all that is necessary to encrypt your network. Both types of encryption will function to encrypt your data, however WPA3 is the more recent and best option.

2. Modify the default passwords on your router.

Some routers have pre-configured passwords right out of the box. But since these passwords are so accessible to hackers, it's critical to change them to something more secure. Your router has two passwords that you'll need to change.

3.Update your router.

Check the manufacturer's website to determine if a newer version of the software is accessible for download before configuring a new router or updating your current one. Register your router with the manufacturer and sign up for updates to ensure you are informed when the newest version is out. If your Internet service provider (ISP), such as Verizon or Comcast, provided your router, ask them if they send out automatic updates.

4. Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), WPS, and 'remote management' functionalities should be disabled. While certain router functions can be useful, others can compromise the security of your network. You can modify settings online, for instance, if you have remote access to your router's controls. Instead of typing the network password, WPS enables you to simply press a button on the router to connect a device to the internet. Finally, UPnP enables your devices to discover one another on the network. These features might make it simpler for you, for example, to add devices to your network or to allow visitors to use your Wi-Fi, but they might also make your network less secure.

5. Log off as the administrator. Remember to log out as administrator once you've finished configuring your router or making changes. You can modify network security settings, such as passwords, when logged in as the administrator. A hacker might quickly access your network and devices if they managed to gain access to your administrator account.