Ignoring your router’s security settings puts millions at risk through hidden dangers

If you’re like me, your home Wi-Fi is the hub of almost everything you do online, whether it’s online banking, paying bills, booking trips, chatting with friends, or streaming movies.

Today, not only your laptop and phone are connected to the network, but also things like surveillance cameras, thermostats, and even air conditioners controlled by your router. But be honest, when was the last time you did anything to secure your router? It’s easy to forget about it, especially if it works fine. The thing is, many people feel the same way, and research shows that this “out of sight, out of mind” attitude could be putting millions at serious risk.

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Shocking router security facts you need to know

The 2024 Broadband Genie Router Security Review discovered some startling facts about how Internet users approach router security. More than half of the respondents (52%) admitted that they never changed the factory settings of the router. Even more concerning is that 86% of users have never changed their router’s administrator password. Leaving the default admin password unchanged is like leaving the front door unlocked. This is an open invitation for hackers.

Likewise, 72% of respondents never changed their Wi-Fi password. Default passwords are often easily accessible and can be used by sophisticated attackers in seconds. Firmware updates required to patch vulnerabilities and improve router functionality are also largely ignored. A whopping 89% of users have never updated their router’s firmware. While newer routers often handle updates automatically, user awareness and action remain vital for those with older devices.

Another glaring issue is the inability to change default network names such as “SKY12345” or “Linksys-7890”. These identifiers can provide hackers with important information about the router’s model, making it easier to exploit known vulnerabilities. At the same time, 89% of respondents never changed the name of the network.

A SMART TRICK TO SPEED UP YOUR WI-FI NETWORK

Most people do not know who is connected to their network

Worryingly, 75% of users have never checked who is connected to their network. With the average home now housing around 12 connected devices, failure to monitor network activity can lead to unauthorized access and potential data leakage. Even more alarming, three-quarters of respondents do not understand why adjusting router settings is important, demonstrating a significant gap in awareness of the risks associated with default configurations.

“In 2022, we conducted a similar study and found that 48% had never touched the factory settings of their router. It’s worrying that after two years the numbers are not only down, but worse,” said Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie.

“The biggest concern is the very high percentage of broadband customers who don’t even know why they have to make any of these changes. This reveals a clear knowledge gap and users need to be more informed about the simple steps they can take to help prevent cyber attacks.”

HOW TO CHECK IF SOMEONE IS STEALING YOUR WI-FI

6 ways to protect your Wi-Fi router from hackers

Maintain the security of your home network to prevent unauthorized access and potential data leakage. Follow the steps below to secure your Wi-Fi router.

1) Change the default passwords: Most routers come with default passwords that hackers can easily find online. To protect your router, change the administrator password (used to access settings) and the Wi-Fi network password. Use a strong password of at least 12 characters, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid simple options like “password123” or personal information like your name or date of birth.

2) Rename the network (SSID): The default network name, or SSID, often includes the make or model of the router, making it easier for hackers to find vulnerabilities. Rename your network to something unique that doesn’t reveal personal information. Avoid using names, addresses or other identifiers. Instead, choose a neutral or creative name that is easy for you to recognize but difficult for others to associate with you.

3) Update the firmware of the router: Router manufacturers release firmware updates to fix security flaws and improve performance. Check your router’s admin panel regularly for updates, or enable automatic updates if supported. A firmware update provides protection against the latest threats. If your router is too old to receive updates, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more secure model.

4) Monitor network activity regularly: Unauthorized devices on your network can slow down your network and put you at risk. Enter the router’s admin settings to view all connected devices. If you see anything suspicious, disable it and change your Wi-Fi password immediately. You can also enable MAC address filtering to control which devices can access your network, or disable features like WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) that could leave you vulnerable.

5) Enable network encryption: Use the strongest encryption protocol available for your router, preferably WPA3 or at least WPA2. Encryption encodes the data transmitted over your network, making it harder for hackers to intercept and decipher your information.

6) Reboot the router regularly: Schedule regular reboots to clear system memory and refresh any connections that could disrupt potential malware.

BEST ROUTERS FOR BEST SECURITY 2024

Pro tip: Use strong antivirus software: To further protect your devices from malware and other threats, consider using proven antivirus software. Antivirus programs can detect and remove malware, provide real-time protection, and alert you to potential threats. Securing your devices ensures that your entire network is protected from cyber attacks.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your personal information, is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and fraudulent ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my pick of the best 2024 antivirus winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Cybercriminals are constantly improving the ways they attack us, which means protecting just your phone or laptop isn’t enough anymore. You need to be careful with anything connected to the Internet, whether it’s your router, smart cameras, or doorbell. However, Broadband Genie’s survey shows that only a small number of people are aware of cybersecurity best practices when it comes to protecting their routers. As a general rule, always remember to change the default passwords and rename the router’s network for better security.

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