Mission Router = Digital Fortress

The ‘Level 92’ philosophy of home network security

The router reality: Digital foundation in the home network

Your router is much more than just a device that provides internet access; It is at the heart of the modern home network and the primary gateway to the digital world. Also with drawbridge and moat! Its configuration and security are central, as it is the first and often only line of defense against external threats.

The integrity of the router not only protects the Internet access itself, but also the privacy of users, sensitive data on connected devices and the smooth functionality of all networked systems in the home, from PCs and smartphones to smart home devices and game consoles.

A compromised router can have far-reaching consequences, ranging from data leaks to complete home network control by unauthorized parties.

The Level 92 analogy: More than just a game

The challenge of home network security can be aptly compared to the ‘Level 92’ philosophy of many role-playing games. Although you seem to be ‘almost finished’, reaching the final levels requires an exponentially higher effort and much greater dedication.
This concept is also reflected in the ‘90-90 rule’; The remaining 10% of the code is used by other 90 percent Both principles illustrate that the final steps are often the most complex, time-consuming and unpredictable, but at the same time crucial for a robust and complete end result.

The transfer of this knowledge to home network security is of great importance. The initial, obvious steps, such as changing the default password or encrypting the Wi-Fi, are comparable to ‘fast leveling’ and first simple successes. They convey a sense of security and progress.
However, a common psychological trap is to already feel ‘safe enough’ after these basic measures – the so-called ‘fast-finished’ trap. Overcoming this mindset is critical to building a truly resilient home network.

Inventory and structural analysis: Your home network at a glance

Inventory of devices and services: Do you know your battlefield?

A well-founded security strategy always starts with a complete overview of your own network. This requires a detailed inventory of all devices connected to the home network, as well as the services used. This includes not only obvious end devices such as PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets, but also smart TVs, game consoles, IoT devices (such as smart lights, thermostats, voice assistants), security cameras, network attached storage (NAS) systems, and printers. – Yes, printer. Read it right! Each of these devices represents a potential access point for attackers.  

At the same time, it is essential to record the services used in the network. This includes streaming services, online gaming, home office applications (especially VPN use), cloud storage solutions, and any remote access to home devices such as cameras or NAS. A comprehensive inventory forms the indispensable basis for any security strategy, as you can only protect what you know and understand. It makes it possible to precisely identify potential attack surfaces and correctly assess the actual need for protection. Without this initial step, blind spots remain that could be exploited by attackers.

Depending on the size and requirements, a simple text file with a list of your devices + IP addresses, an XML or XLS for better structuring, a simple graphical Network diagrams that prettier variant with Example of application or Semi-professional up to a complete professional listing all components.

Let's start small: Top 10 basic router configurations for FritzBox or Speedport: The start to ‘Level 92’

The following ten basic configurations are the foundation for a secure home network and represent the first important steps towards ‘Level 92’ network security. They are suitable for common router models such as FritzBox and Speedport of crucial importance. Most steps are similar or the same on the common routers of the other popular manufacturers. For the sake of simplicity, we limit ourselves in the DACH region to these two large providers, which is probably friendly estimated in the home area also 92% Cover the market.

Default password + change name & to secure router access:

• What it is: Routers come with a simple or printed password at the factory. Access to the user interface is typically via   fritz.box (192.168.178.1) or speedport.ip.  (192.168.2.1) in the browser.
  Usually also in the standard configuration with open remote access.
  
• Why it is important: This is one of the most common and dangerous security vulnerabilities. Without a strong, unique password, anyone with physical or network access can take control of the router. As long as the remote access / Remote access is open, This is also a potential security risk.
  
• Often ignored because: Users often think: "I'm sitting at home, who should come in there?" or feel it's safe enough. Example FritzBox = older devices only numbers as password. Newer similar scheme from Wort+Numbers security rather so category ‘melted cheese’

• Router name / SSID: Practical, because you can see well, the FritzBox 7530 AX? Yep, only an attacker recognizes directly which vulnerabilities there are. -> change, and please, with cream on top, I like to be creative! 
  
• Without this protection, all further steps to safety and optimization are pointless. Alternatively, so to speak.  

Wi-Fi name (SSID) Change and hide (optional):

• What it is: The SSID is the name of your Wi-Fi network that appears in the list of available networks.  Wait, didn't we just have it?
  
• Why it is important: One individual name Helps with identification. Standard SSIDs can provide clues to router model and thus known vulnerabilities. Sidenote: Hiding the SSID provides a minimal additional layer of security, as the name must be entered manually, but is not a substitute for strong encryption. 92% Tip: Name your Fritz.Box “iPhone by NameXY” – Security by obscurity ‘light’
  
• Often ignored because: Users often find it unimportant, as the network is called, or are of the many options Unaware. (see ‘with cream on top’) ⁇
  
• It is Best practice for clarity and basic security: Make!  

Wi-Fi encryption (WPA3/WPA2-PSK) and strong Wi-Fi password:

• What it is: The method of encrypting Wi-Fi traffic to prevent unauthorized eavesdropping. WPA3 is the latest and safest standard; WPA2-PSK is still very safe and widely used. The Wi-Fi password is the key to this encryption.  
  
• Why it is important: Protects your data from unauthorized access. A weak password makes the best encryption useless.  – Yes, Password1! is definitely a weak password, although it has a capital letter, lowercase letter, number and even a special character. No, level92% It's not clear either. see the here similar, by the way. ⁇
  
• Often ignored because: Users are afraid of not being able to remember a long password, or consider WPA to be sufficient. You can access Conveniently via QR code No one needs to remember your passwords from 50 special characters!
  
• Indispensable: Robust Wi-Fi security is essential for future expansions such as smart home systems.  

Updates of the router firmware:

• What it is: The software running on the router. Your operating system, if you will. Almost all Publish manufacturers Regular updates, close security gaps, add new features and improve stability.  
  
• Why it is important: Closes known vulnerabilities, optimizes performance and ensures compatibility with new technologies.  
  
• Often ignored because: Users think ‘Does it work’ or ‘No time’. Often the automatic update function is not activated or ignored.  
  
• Clearly critical! Ideally, automate updates. Outdated firmware It's a gateway to attacks. It can affect performance.  

Parental control/access profiles:

• What it is: Allows you to control Internet access for certain devices, such as time limits, content filters or blacklists/whitelists, as well as control from outside.
  
• Why it is important: Important for controlling online use, especially for children.  Filter lists For example, it can be a real blessing.
  
• Often ignored because: Users think ‘I don’t need to’ – often until the first bubbling pages on the schoolyard make the rounds... Uncool, please!  
  
• Increasingly important as the number of connected devices in the home increases and online content becomes more ‘diverse’.  

DHCP settings (IP address range):

• What it is: The DHCP server in the router automatically assigns IP addresses to the devices on your network. The IP address range defines which addresses can be assigned.
   
• Why it is important: A conscious choice of the IP address range can avoid collisions with other networks (e.g. VPNs). For static IP addresses (servers, NAS), it is important that they are outside the DHCP range.  
  
• Often ignored because: Users think ‘works by itself’. Admittedly, they are usually right. Until you constantly look at the router to find out which IP the device XYZ has got this time.
  My 92% Alternative: Goes well with: ‘Device always assign this IP“  
  
• The first ‘NiceToHave’: Very important primarily for more advanced home networks, especially when planning NAS systems or smart home hubs.

Port Shares / UPnP:

• What it is: Port shares forward incoming requests from the outside to specific devices on your home network. UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is a protocol that allows devices to set up port shares automatically.
   
• Why it is important: UPnP is convenient, but a significant security risk, as devices can open ports without your intervention.  But you can discuss it.
  
• Often ignored because: UPnP is often left enabled by default. Check it out!
   
• Manual port sharing is more secure for smart home devices with remote access or private servers. Best practice would be here: as little as possible. 

WLAN channel optimization & transmission power:

• What it is: Wi-Fi networks use certain channels. Many networks on the same channel can cause interference and performance losses. The transmission power controls the range of your WLAN.  
  
• Why it is important: Good channel selection improves Wi-Fi stability and speed.  Mine 92% MustHave „Does the signal go to the garden?„
  
• Often ignored because: Users think ‘Wi-Fi is slow, connected to the internet’ or do not know how to find the best channel. Solution: Measure with Handyapp!
  
• Stable net protects the nerves. Personal opinion: Very relevant, especially in multi-party houses and for future expansions such as WLAN meshes.  

Guest access (WLAN guest network):

• What it is: A separate Wi-Fi network that allows visitors to access the Internet without having access to your private home network.
   
• Why it is important: Increases them Security and privacy. Guests cannot scan your network or access your devices.  
  
• Often ignored because: Users think ‘I rarely visit’ or ‘have nothing to hide’.  
  
• Good practice for network security. When installing smart home devices, it is all the more important to disconnect the main network from the guest network. Also gladly the wired; Keyword ‘Port4’

VPN functionality (if supported by the router):

• What it is: Many FRITZ!Box routers offer an integrated VPN server function that allows you to access your home network securely on the go.
   
• Why it is important: Allows secure remote access to files, smart home devices, or other services on your home network as if you were at home
  
• Often ignored because: Users think ‘I don’t need to’ or ‘Too complicated to set up’. I have to admit, that's where it goes. Really in detail. Have fun!
  
  Okay, here we are now definitely above the 92% Brand, still worth mentioning: Extremely valuable for remote management and use of your home network, especially for NAS systems or smart home devices.

Once again, thank you very much for persevering. If you have already done all this (or even already had?) I have only one question, which is always forgotten.
Well, who knows? – correct:

Did you make a backup of your router's settings? ⁇

Here is today's TL:DR Version:

Inform Bissl, then change names, accesses/passwords, install updates, activate security functions, optimize performance, optionally isolate areas and at the end please backup at least 1x.

Tomorrow we will continue with the second part, the assessment of protection needs & a risk analysis – quasi: What is really important to me and what things would not be a pity if...