Digital Security: Understand the importance of antivirus protection on routers

In general, when we think of viruses or malware, we usually only associate them with devices such as laptops, smartphones, and PCs. However, it must be kept in mind that, in theory, any computer system is susceptible to this type of threat, which can be hacked or contain strange programs installed for malicious purposes. So routers are no exception.

As explained Fabio Appel, Product Coordinator TP-Link in Brazil, the router is responsible for assigning a logical address (IP) to devices connected to the network, and its settings determine the traffic that each device sends and receives. In other words, the router acts as a kind of “gateway” through which all our communications pass: “This is the device responsible for managing the connections of various devices to the Internet. And that is why a possible intrusion would pose a serious risk to anyone who uses it to access a particular network,” he says.

Learn more about the importance of antivirus protection

Also, according to Appel, in general, the goal of attacks on routers is to steal sensitive user information, such as passwords and bank details: “To achieve the goal of accessing this information, hackers use several different attack methods. One is to change the DNS (Domain Name System) address of the router so that when entering the address of a website, such as your bank, the user is taken to a fraudulent domain.”

Other common threats involve malicious ads, search redirects, and attempts to download unwanted programs that try to prey on unsuspecting users. “In more severe cases, intrusions can interrupt Internet access or even damage the operating system of the router,” the expert warns.

In response to this scenario, in which effective network security is no longer optional, TP-Link, leading global communications companyoffers its customers an integrated set of TP-Link HomeShield resources with tools designed to help the user create and manage a personalized and secure network that can serve the whole family, whether it is protecting confidential data or restricting access to children and guests. .

Among the features of the kit is an adaptive antivirus that provides malicious content filtering, intrusion prevention and quarantine for infected devices. In addition, the active database protects all connected devices from external threats.

According to Fabio Appel: “In our homes, all devices access the Internet through a router. This includes products that usually do not have their own protection against cyber threats. With this in mind, HomeShield provides antivirus protection for routers and thus keeps all other connected devices safe.”

When new malicious websites are launched, a proprietary set of resources blocks them, automatically blocking access. Intrusion prevention also detects and blocks potential threats and remediates network vulnerabilities, protecting Wi-Fi devices against new threats every day.

Another difference guaranteed by the HomeShield system is that infected devices found on the user’s network are automatically quarantined, keeping personal information safe and preventing viruses from spreading to other devices. The home network scanner also helps detect threats in real time and alerts the customer as quickly as possible to potential security issues.

Real-time IoT protection

As new smart devices (IoT) come online, TP-Link HomeShield identifies them and begins to track the effectiveness of their protection. Through the firewall, HomeShield blocks unauthorized access, encrypts your data, and protects connected devices from cyber threats and attacks.

parental control

In addition to antivirus protection, TP-Link HomeShield also offers parental control features ideal for users who want to block inappropriate content, set daily limits on time spent online, pause browsing, and check which websites sons apply. All this can be controlled through the application, in a convenient, simple and intuitive way.

In addition, you can create dedicated user profiles for each family member, setting personalized age and age restrictions online, including distributing them to individual devices used by different people.

Detailed reports

TP-Link HomeShield provides detailed reports to help the user get a better understanding of their home Wi-Fi network as well as every device connected to it. This allows you to analyze your entire home’s online behavior with a clear view of how much time each family member spends online, as well as tips for improving your online experience.

Through browsing history analysis, the customer can also check which websites their family members have visited and which malicious addresses have been blocked by HomeShield. The resource set also provides network security statistics, allowing you to query cyberthreat and attack prevention and scanning results, as well as allowing you to monitor newly connected devices and their respective security performance.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Another difference is the configurable Quality of Service (QoS) feature, which allows users to select the devices or activities they want to prioritize on their network. With just a few simple touches and commands, the customer can optimize network usage by allocating bandwidth to the most used devices and services and prioritizing streaming, gaming, browsing or video calls queued for Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

“This and all other HomeShield network customization features can be controlled using dedicated Deco or Tether applications or through the browser interface itself,” concludes the TP-Link expert. Talk to us in the comments and let us know if you liked this news and take the opportunity to read more news on our website.