Which actions can help secure a SOHO router?

Changing default passwords is a critical action for securing a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) router. Many routers come with factory-set usernames and passwords that are commonly known or can be easily found online. If these default credentials are not changed, unauthorized users can easily gain access to the router's configuration settings and network, posing security risks. By changing the default password to a strong, unique password, you significantly enhance the security of the router, making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

While enabling SSID broadcast, MAC filtering, enabling WPS, and enabling WPA2 contribute to the security of a network, they do not hold the same level of foundational importance as changing default passwords. For instance, broadcasting the SSID does not necessarily secure the network; rather, it makes the network visible, which can be both good and bad depending on your security policy. MAC filtering can add an additional layer of security but is also not foolproof, as MAC addresses can be spoofed. WPS has known vulnerabilities that can be exploited, making it less secure. Enabling WPA2 is crucial for encrypting the data being transmitted but also relies on having a strong password set to be effective. Hence, altering default passwords is a fundamental step that must