15-minute home network review card

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Record the current state first; do not change several settings at once.

Router and updates

• Model and hardware revision: ____________________________
• Firmware version: ____________________________
• Release or last-update date: ____________________________
• Automatic updates are enabled
• The vendor still publishes updates for this model
• Next review date: ____________________________

Admin panel and Wi-Fi

• Panel address or app name: ____________________________
• The administrator password has been changed and differs from the Wi-Fi password
• Security mode: [ ] WPA3 [ ] WPA2/WPA3 [ ] WPA2 [ ] older — replace
• WPS is off when I do not need it
• Administration from the internet is disabled

Do not write passwords on this card.

Guests, IoT, and devices

• A guest network is enabled when I share Wi-Fi with visitors
• Guests cannot reach devices on the home network
• IoT is on a separate network if the router supports it

An unfamiliar name does not necessarily mean an intruder: a TV or phone may use another name or a private or randomised MAC address. Compare addresses and disconnect devices one at a time.

Access from the internet

• Port forwards: ________________________________________
• DMZ host: [ ] none [ ] present: ____________________________
• UPnP: [ ] off [ ] on because: ____________________________
• Other remote services: ________________________________________

Do not scan a network you do not own. Compare your own settings with the services you actually use.

Backup and three actions

• A configuration export is stored outside the router
• I treat the export as confidential and store it encrypted or with restricted access
• Backup date: ____________________________
• Storage location: ____________________________

1. Today: ______________________________________________________
2. This week: _________________________________________________
3. When replacing equipment: ___________________________________

The router security article explains the options. For mapping and reviewing exposure, see network security and the exercises in the Network Security Lab.