If you are looking to secure your wireless network from would-be hackers, you may want to learn how to prevent a DDoS attack on a router. The best routers, after all, are still susceptible to attacks from nefarious players. Learn how to make sure your router stays safe and in the clear by warding off DDoS attacks.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A distributed denial of service attack (DDoS) is when a hacker points a multitude of bots or computers at your router’s IP address, overloading the device with malicious traffic and fake traffic.
- The easiest way to stop one of these attacks is to change your router’s IP address, which is done on the settings page, allowing you to once again welcome legitimate users.
- To prevent future DDoS attacks and other types of attacks, invest in a good firewall and look into using a VPN for your wireless network and various network connections.
What is a DDoS Attack?
A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack occurs when many computers or bots flood an IP address with data. Routers feature a unique public IP address, otherwise known as a static IP address, so they can fall victim to these attacks as can any device connected to your network. A DDoS attack ends up slowing down the router or connected devices to the point where they are basically unusable, even if you have learned how to set up a dual-band router and are switching between bands.
Insider Tip
Along with changing your password regularly, change your IP address whenever you are performing security-related maintenance tasks.
How to Stop a DDoS Attack on a Router
The process here varies according to your specific router, such as when you are learning how to SSH into a router. However, we have kept these guidelines as universal as possible so as to keep the highest number of consumers protected from nasty DDoS attacks.
STEP 1
If a DDoS attack is occurring, your first step is to change your IP address. This can be done on the router’s settings page or admin control panel, which is accessible by inputting the current IP address into the address field of a web browser and then entering your login credentials. As a note, this IP address and default login credentials are found on a sticker on the exterior of the router.
STEP 2
Head into the settings and look for a setting dedicated to changing the public or static IP address. Make the change and save your work. This should stop an ongoing DDoS attack.
STEP 3
To prevent further attacks, start by using a quality firewall. These software suites are typically available via most operating systems, though there are many third-party options.
STEP 4
You should also invest in a well-regarding VPN, running it whenever you surf the web. A VPN randomizes your router’s IP address, making it highly unlikely to suffer from a DDoS attack.
F.A.Q.S
Can I be DDoSed?
Any target server with normal traffic can be DD0Sed and experience other volumetric attacks. This mucks up the Internet traffic and your entire network.
How do I know if I’m being attacked?
A sudden outage is a sure-fire sign your network bandwidth is being filled up with bogus traffic and unwanted traffic. Otherwise, it can be tough to tell if you are suffering from protocol attacks such as DDoS.
Why do DDoS attacks happen?
DDoS attacks and various application-layer attacks happen for a number of reasons, even on a private network.
STAT: In January 2019, Imperva experienced the largest DDoS attack in history receiving 500 million packets per second, a record that displaced the record previously held by GitHub in 2018. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.imperva.com/blog/protecting-gamers-from-dos-ddos-attacks/
- https://www.purevpn.com/blog/prevent-ddos-attack-on-router/
- https://learn.g2.com/how-to-stop-a-ddos-attackr
- https://phoenixnap.com/blog/prevent-ddos-attacks
- https://kb.netgear.com/19957/What-does-Disable-Port-Scan-and-DoS-Protection-do
