25 Aug 5 Best Router Settings That Help Keeping Hackers Off Cameras

With the surge in smart devices and home surveillance systems, securing your Wi-Fi network has never been more critical. Hackers are increasingly targeting home security cameras by exploiting weak router settings. Fortunately, by adjusting a few key configurations, you can drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Below, we explore the 5 best router settings to help keep hackers off your cameras and protect your home network.

1. Change the Default Router Login Credentials

One of the most basic yet often overlooked steps in router security is changing the default username and password used to access the router’s settings. These default credentials are publicly available and can be used by hackers to hijack your network.

To update them:

• Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Navigate to the settings or administration tab.
• Set a strong, unique username and password.

This small change is your first line of defense against intrusions.

2. Use WPA3 or WPA2 Encryption

Encryption is a critical feature that keeps your wireless traffic private. WPA3 is the latest and most robust Wi-Fi encryption protocol, but many routers still support only WPA2. If WPA3 is available, enable it; otherwise, stick with WPA2—never use WEP or unsecured settings.

Steps to secure your Wi-Fi with proper encryption:

• Access your router’s wireless settings.
• Select WPA3 or WPA2 under the security options.
• Create a strong and unique Wi-Fi password that is hard to guess.

Also, make sure that both your router firmware and connected devices are updated to support the highest level of encryption available.

3. Disable Remote Access Features You Don’t Use

Some routers offer features like remote access, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), and remote management, which are often enabled by default. While convenient, these open doors that hackers can exploit—especially if the services are poorly configured.

To stay safe:

• Turn off UPnP unless a specific device requires it.
• Disable remote management unless you absolutely need it.
• Block unnecessary ports through the firewall settings.

By minimizing your router’s exposure, you’re essentially locking windows and doors hackers might use to snoop on your camera feeds or gain further access.

4. Set Up a Guest Network

Smart cameras and IoT devices are often less secure than traditional computers or phones. If a hacker compromises one of these gadgets, they could potentially access all other devices on the same network. Creating a separate guest network for these devices isolates them and prevents unauthorized lateral movement.

Here’s how:

• Enable the “Guest Network” feature in your router settings.
• Use a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
• Turn off “Allow guests to access local network” to prevent communication between devices.

This tactic adds a robust layer of security without interfering with the functionality of your smart devices.

5. Regularly Update Your Router Firmware

Firmware updates fix security vulnerabilities and bugs that could otherwise be exploited by hackers. Many people forget to update their routers, leaving them open to known exploits. Check for firmware updates at least once a quarter.

How to update:

• Log in to your router’s admin interface.
• Navigate to the Firmware Update or System section.
• Check for updates and follow the instructions to apply them.

Some modern routers support automatic updates, which is the safest and most convenient option.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your security cameras from hackers starts at the point of entry—your router. By implementing these five powerful settings—changing default login credentials, using strong encryption, disabling unnecessary remote features, setting up a guest network, and keeping firmware updated—you can safeguard your home from digital threats.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complex. With some smart tweaks to your router, you can enjoy peace of mind while your cameras keep watch over your home.