In an age dominated by the Internet, the significance of a secure home Wi-Fi router extends far beyond individual convenience.  It is the frontline defense guarding our homes and businesses from cyber threats, impacting both personal and national security. In this new battlefield, a secure router not only protects our families but also has broader national security implications as hackers increasingly attack connected devices in our homes.  These exploits can range from an inconvenience to as severe as taking down critical infrastructure such as our power grid or health care system.  Unfortunately, most people are not aware of the risks that smart devices pose.   Because of this, there is a new White House Cyber Security Label Program that will be rolled out next year to help drive awareness.   One of the priorities will be on the consumer WiFi router.  So let's explore what makes a Wi-Fi router more secure.  These are some of the things that make a Gryphon WiFi router more secure, and we hope they will help make you more aware of your security online.

Security by Design
The bedrock of a secure Wi-Fi router begins with its design. Security should be woven into its very fabric, not an addendum. This implies that robust security features should be an integral part of the router's architecture, starting with unassailable hardware-level safeguards and extending to the software that it runs.

Secure Boot
Secure boot serves as the digital gatekeeper of your router.  It ensures that only verified and trustworthy firmware is initiated during startup, shielding your network from unauthorized or tampered firmware that could compromise security. A secure boot mechanism in our opinion is a fundamental part of a secure system.

Automatic Software Updates
No one can guarantee every piece of software that runs in the router is fully secure.   That’s why it is so important to build a mechanism to allow your router software to be automatically updated and easy for the customer.   Many routers are vulnerable because they are simply running old software.  

Minimize Open Ports and Unnecessary Applications
In the realm of cybersecurity, simplicity is often synonymous with security. A secure Wi-Fi router should minimize open ports or no open ports to the outside. Unnecessary applications and services should be disabled or removed, thereby reducing the attack surface and fortifying your network.

The Use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is one of the cornerstones of router security.  It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide two forms of identification before gaining access to the router's settings. This dual verification significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

These are just some of the techniques used to design a robust and secure router. By incorporating security into its design, a router can become an effective protector of your family or business and contribute to a stronger national security posture.

You can try Gryphon for your self at www.gryphonconnect.com.