A home gateway is the router or modem that connects a local network to the internet and controls traffic for phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, and other devices. It often provides Wi-Fi, network address translation, basic firewalling, and sometimes parental controls or remote administration.
In cyber security, the home gateway is a high-value target because it sits at the edge of the network and can influence every connected device. Attackers may try to exploit weak admin passwords, outdated firmware, or exposed remote management features to change DNS settings, intercept traffic, or enroll the device in a botnet. Defenders treat it as critical infrastructure: change default credentials, keep firmware updated, disable unnecessary services, and review connected devices regularly. A secure gateway is often the first layer of trust in the home.