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 watching movies.
These days, not only are your laptop and phone connected to the network, but things like security cameras, thermostats, and even air conditioners are also managed by your router. But let's be honest, when was the last time you did anything to secure your router? It's easy to forget about it, especially if it's working well. The thing is, a lot of people feel the same way, and one study reveals that this “out of sight, out of mind” attitude could be putting millions in serious danger.
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Router image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
Shocking security facts about the router you should know
the 2024 Broadband Genie Router Security Survey It revealed some startling facts about how internet users deal with router security. More than half of respondents (52%) admitted that they had never modified their router's factory settings. Even more alarming is that 86% of users have never changed their router admin password. Leaving the default administrator password unchanged is like leaving your front door unlocked. It's an open invitation for hackers to exploit it.
Likewise, 72% of participants had never changed their Wi-Fi password. Default passwords are often easy to access and can be exploited in seconds by experienced attackers. Firmware updates, which are necessary to patch vulnerabilities and improve router functionality, are also largely ignored. 89% of users have never updated their router's firmware. While newer routers often handle updates automatically, user awareness and actions remain vital for those with older devices.
Another glaring issue is the failure to change virtual network names, such as “SKY12345” or “Linksys-7890.” These identifiers can provide hackers with important information about the router model, making it easier to exploit known vulnerabilities. However, 89% of participants never changed their network name.
Router image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
A clever trick to make the connection faster on your Wi-Fi network
Most people don't know who is connected to their network
Alarmingly, 75% of users never check to see who is connected to their network. With the average home now hosting about a dozen connected devices, failure to monitor network activity could lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Even more worrying is that three-quarters of respondents don't understand why adjusting router settings is important, showing a significant gap in awareness of the risks associated with default configurations.
Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie, said: “In 2022, we conducted a similar study and found that 48% had never touched the factory settings of their router. Alarmingly, not only did the number drop after two years, it got worse.” .
“Even more worrying is the very high proportion of broadband subscribers who don’t even know why any of these changes were made. This reveals a clear knowledge gap, and users need to be educated more about the simple steps they can take to help prevent cyber attacks.”
Woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
How to check if someone is stealing your Wi-Fi
6 ways to protect your Wi-Fi router from hackers
Keeping your home network secure is essential to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Follow these steps to protect your Wi-Fi router:
1) Change default passwords: Most routers come with default passwords that hackers can easily find online. To secure your router, change the administrator password (used to access settings) and the Wi-Fi 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 details like your name or date of birth.
2) Rename your network (SSID): The default network name, or SSID, often includes the brand or model of the router, making it easier for hackers to identify 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's easy for you to recognize but difficult for others to associate with you.
3) Keep your router's firmware updated: Router manufacturers release firmware updates to patch security flaws and improve performance. Check your router's administration panel regularly for updates or enable automatic updates, if supported. Updating your firmware ensures you're protected 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 it down and expose you to risks. Log into your router's admin settings to view all connected devices. If you see anything suspicious, disconnect it and change the 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 at least WPA3 or WPA2. Encryption scrambles data transmitted over your network, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and decrypt your information.
6) Reboot your router regularly: Schedule routine reboots to clear system memory and refresh all connections, which may disable potential malware.
Best routers for the best security of 2024
Pro Tip: Use Strong Antivirus Software: To further protect your devices from malware and other threats, consider using reputable antivirus software. Antivirus software can detect and remove malware, provide real-time protection, and alert you to potential threats. Keeping your devices secure helps ensure your entire network remains safe from cyberattacks.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Key takeaways for Kurt
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving the ways they target us, which means securing your phone or laptop just isn't enough anymore. You need to be careful with anything connected to the Internet, whether it's a router, smart cameras, or a doorbell. However, the Broadband Genie survey reveals that only a small number of people are aware of cybersecurity best practices when it comes to protecting their routers. As a rule of thumb, always remember to change the default passwords and rename your router's network to ensure better security.
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