Critical Security

Router Security

Your router is the gateway to your entire network. A compromised router means all your internet traffic - passwords, financial data, communications - can be intercepted. Choosing a secure router is your first line of defense.

Equipment Ban: Huawei and ZTE routers are banned from receiving FCC equipment authorizations. Do not purchase or continue using these devices.

Routers to Avoid

FCC Banned

Huawei

Models: All models

FCC equipment authorization ban
National security threat designation
Close ties to Chinese military and government
Documented backdoors in network equipment
No security updates available in US

FCC Banned

ZTE

Models: All models

FCC equipment authorization ban
Commerce Department Entity List
Sanctions violations history
State-owned enterprise
Security vulnerabilities documented

Caution

TP-Link (Use with Caution)

Models: Budget models especially

Chinese company based in Shenzhen
Some models have had security vulnerabilities
Firmware update practices vary
Consider for isolated networks only

Avoid

Tenda

Models: All models

Chinese manufacturer with limited transparency
Multiple documented security vulnerabilities
Poor security update track record
Budget quality with security trade-offs

Recommended Safe Routers

ASUS

Taiwan

Models: RT-AX88U Pro, RT-AX86U, ZenWiFi AX

Price: $200-$400

AiProtection security features
Regular firmware updates
Strong WiFi 6 performance
VPN server built-in
Good for medium to large homes/farms

Best for: Home users wanting security features

Netgear Nighthawk

USA (some manufacturing overseas)

Models: RAXE500, RAX80, RAX50

Price: $150-$600

Armor security subscription available
Strong performance
Regular security patches
Wide model range

Best for: Performance-focused users

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine

USA

Models: UDM, UDM Pro, UDM SE

Price: $300-$500

Enterprise-grade security
Intrusion detection/prevention
Detailed traffic analytics
Scalable for large properties
Excellent for farms with multiple buildings

Best for: Tech-savvy users, farms, small businesses

Cisco Meraki Go

USA

Models: GX20, GX50

Price: $200-$400

Enterprise Cisco backing
Cloud-managed simplicity
Automatic security updates
Business-grade reliability

Best for: Small businesses, farms wanting enterprise features

Linksys

USA (Belkin/Foxconn)

Models: Atlas Max 6E, Velop MX Series

Price: $200-$500

Mesh WiFi options
HomeKit Secure Router compatible
Good coverage for large areas
Regular updates

Best for: Apple ecosystem users, large homes

Security Features to Look For

critical

Automatic Firmware Updates

Router automatically downloads and installs security patches

critical

WPA3 Support

Latest WiFi encryption standard for better protection

critical

Built-in Firewall

Stateful packet inspection to block malicious traffic

high

Guest Network

Isolated network for visitors and IoT devices

high

VPN Server/Client

Secure remote access to home network

medium

Parental Controls

Content filtering and time limits

medium

Traffic Monitoring

See what devices are using bandwidth

low

QoS (Quality of Service)

Prioritize important traffic

Router Security Setup Steps

Change Default Credentials

Replace admin/admin with a strong unique password

Update Firmware

Check for and install latest firmware before going online

Set Strong WiFi Password

Use WPA3 or WPA2 with a long, random password

Disable WPS

WiFi Protected Setup has known security flaws

Disable Remote Management

Don't allow admin access from the internet

Create Guest Network

Put IoT devices and visitors on separate network

Enable Firewall

Turn on the router's built-in firewall

Disable UPnP

Universal Plug and Play can be exploited

Need Help Choosing a Router?

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Security Features to Look For

critical

Automatic Firmware Updates

Router automatically downloads and installs security patches

critical

WPA3 Support

Latest WiFi encryption standard for better protection

critical

Built-in Firewall

Stateful packet inspection to block malicious traffic

high

Guest Network

Isolated network for visitors and IoT devices

high

VPN Server/Client

Secure remote access to home network

medium

Parental Controls

Content filtering and time limits

medium

Traffic Monitoring

See what devices are using bandwidth

low

QoS (Quality of Service)

Prioritize important traffic

Router Security Setup Steps

Change Default Credentials

Replace admin/admin with a strong unique password

Update Firmware

Check for and install latest firmware before going online

Set Strong WiFi Password

Use WPA3 or WPA2 with a long, random password

Disable WPS

WiFi Protected Setup has known security flaws

Disable Remote Management

Don't allow admin access from the internet

Create Guest Network

Put IoT devices and visitors on separate network

Enable Firewall

Turn on the router's built-in firewall

Disable UPnP

Universal Plug and Play can be exploited