Security considerations for 5G FWA
A 5G FWA router is a network gateway, and like any gateway it is a potential attack surface. The security considerations are similar to any broadband router but with some cellular-specific additions.
Router hardening basics
Change the default admin password immediately on any new router. Use a strong, unique password. Most 5G routers ship with a default username and password that is either printed on the device or well-documented, and default credentials are the first thing automated scanning tools try.
Disable remote management access if you do not need it. Most consumer and semi-industrial routers allow web administration access from the WAN side by default. Unless you have a specific need to manage the router from outside your network, this port should be closed.
Keep firmware updated. Router firmware updates frequently include security patches. Enable automatic updates where available, or check manually on a regular schedule.
CGNAT as passive security
Most consumer cellular SIMs operate behind Carrier-Grade NAT, which means your router does not have a directly routable public IP address. Inbound unsolicited connections are blocked at the operator’s NAT boundary, providing a passive security benefit. This is not a substitute for proper router security, but it does reduce the attack surface compared to a router on a public IP address.
If you have a static IP SIM (common in business and IoT deployments), your router is fully reachable from the internet. Firewall configuration is more important in this case. Ensure only necessary ports are open and that administrative interfaces are not exposed to the public internet.
VPN for business use
Business users who need to access resources at the 5G FWA site from remote locations should use a VPN rather than exposing services directly. Wireguard is the recommended VPN protocol for most use cases: low overhead, modern cryptography, and native support in Teltonika and many other industrial router platforms. Site-to-site Wireguard VPN works reliably behind CGNAT when the VPN server is on a network with a reachable public IP.
Wi-Fi security
Use WPA3 on Wi-Fi networks where all client devices support it. Where older devices require WPA2, use WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. Use a strong Wi-Fi passphrase. If you have IoT devices on your network, consider a separate IoT VLAN or SSID to isolate them from devices handling sensitive data.