Google Nest Wi-Fi is a reliable, aesthetically pleasing internet router that provides your entire home with a strong Wi-Fi signal to support all your connected devices and allow you to complete work, interact socially, and remain connected to the world from the comfort of your home.
There is always a risk that your Google Nest router could be hacked. Regardless of how someone might hijack your Nest, all hacks are concerning because a router vulnerability could put all your connected devices at risk.
Keep reading to learn more about Google protection measures and what you can do to ensure you’re well-protected!
Google Security Standards
To mitigate the potential risk of a Nest router hack, here’s a list of Google’s measures designed to ensure that your router remains as secure as possible.
Firewalls
Google Nest routers are pre-installed with firewalls, which serve to stand between a user and a bad actor. Firewalls prevent unauthorized users from accessing your network and subsequently transmitting data, which reduces the risk of system infiltration.
However, it is important to note that certain user-applied settings, such as Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and port forwarding, may allow easier access to the network. These settings should be applied with caution and with the understanding that they may leave the router and wifi more vulnerable.
WPA2 and WPA3 Security
Wi-Fi Protected Access protocol, more commonly known as WPA2 and WPA3, are tools that help to promote router security. First instituted in 2004, these have become a standard of ensuring that your wi-fi is protected from attacks.
By default, Google Nest routers come with WAP2, but the user can upgrade to the newer WAP3 in the Google Home app, as long as the device is compatible.
Automatic Updates
With life as busy as it is, security solutions that do not require user intervention are very helpful in ensuring your router remains secure. Automatic updates pushed to your route by Google ensures that your device is always up to date on the most relevant and necessary security patches and protocols. And you don’t even need to lift a finger to protect your Nest router as best it can be!
TLS
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a security tool that helps to protect communication between devices and routers. Google uses this technology to keep data transferred between devices and routers safe by essentially hiding the messages, which reduces the risk of your router being hacked via a connected device.
Tips to Protect your Router
There are steps that the device owner can take to best protect themselves, their family, and all their devices connected to the router safe from the risks of cyber attacks and hacks. These include:
Password Management
When you first set up your Google Nest router, you should immediately change the WPA2 password to something personal yet intricate. This will help to ensure that your password is harder to guess for anyone who might be attempting to infiltrate your device. For more information on how bad actors can bypass passwords and good password hygiene, check out these tips.
Think Safe
When using the internet, you should always remember to be cautious and careful. Knowing that hackers can enter your router via a connected device, be cautious of email phishing attacks, clicking on suspicious or unknown links, or visiting unsecure websites. When in doubt, you should always independently verify a link or the security of a website before clicking or entering personal information!
Use Google’s Advanced Protection Program
One of the most basic ways you can keep yourself protected from hackers is to enroll in Google’s Advanced Protection Program. This free security enhancement is available to all Google users and helps defend against unwanted phishing or unsafe browsing vulnerabilities. You may need to purchase a security key to use this program, but that is a small price to pay for protection against cyber threats!
Conclusion
Understanding security protocols and further measures users can take to ensure the safety of your router is instrumental in ensuring that your Nest device remains safe and in your complete control. Doing so will ensure that your device is functional and can support your online life for years to come!
