If you're like me, your home Wi-Fi is at the heart of just about everything you do online: online banking, paying bills, booking travel, chatting with friends, streaming movies, and more.
These days, not only laptops and cell phones connected to your network, but also security cameras, thermostats, and even air conditioners are all managed by routers. But let's be honest: When was the last time you did something to protect your router? It's easy to forget, especially if it's been working fine. The problem is, many people feel the same way, and research shows this 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude could be putting millions of people at serious risk. It has become clear that.
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Shocking facts about router security you need to know
of 2024 Broadband Genie Router Security Survey revealed some surprising facts about how Internet users approach router security. More than half of respondents (52%) admitted that they have never adjusted their router's factory settings. What's even more concerning is that 86% of users never change their router's administrator password. Leaving the default administrator password unchanged is like leaving your front door unlocked. This is an open invitation for hackers to exploit.
Similarly, 72% of respondents never change their Wi-Fi password. Default passwords are often easily accessible and can be exploited within seconds by a knowledgeable attacker. Firmware updates, which are essential to patch vulnerabilities and enhance router functionality, are also largely ignored. An overwhelming 89% of users have never updated their router's firmware. Newer routers often handle updates automatically, but user awareness and action remains important for users with older devices.
Another obvious problem is that you can't change the default network names, such as “SKY12345” or “Linksys-7890.” These identifiers provide hackers with important information about the router model, making it easier to exploit known vulnerabilities. However, 89% of respondents have never changed their network name.
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Most people don't know who is connected to their network
An astonishing 75% of users never check who is connected to their network. The average home currently hosts approximately 12 connected devices, and unmonitored network activity can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. More worryingly, three-quarters of respondents do not understand why adjusting router settings is important, indicating a significant gap in awareness about the risks associated with default settings.
“When we conducted a similar study in 2022, we found that 48% had never touched their router's factory settings,” said Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie. It is alarming that not only are these numbers declining, but the situation is getting worse.”
“Most worryingly, a very high proportion of broadband subscribers don't even know why they need to make these changes. This exposes a clear knowledge gap. , users need to be further educated on the simple steps they can take to help 'prevent cyber-attacks. ”
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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. To protect your Wi-Fi router, follow these steps:
1) Change the default password. Most routers come with default passwords that hackers can easily find online. To secure your router, change both your administrator password (used to access settings) and your Wi-Fi network password. Use a strong password of at least 12 characters with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid simple options like “password123” or personal information like name or date of birth.
2) Change the network name (SSID). The default network name (SSID) often includes the router brand and model, making it easier for hackers to identify vulnerabilities. Rename your network to a unique name that doesn't reveal any 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 it.
3) Keep your router's firmware up to date. Router manufacturers release firmware updates to fix security flaws and improve performance. Please check your router's admin panel regularly for updates or enable automatic updates if supported. Keeping your firmware up to date ensures protection from 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. Log into your router's admin settings to view all connected devices. If you see anything suspicious, disconnect and change your Wi-Fi password immediately. You can also enable MAC address filtering to control which devices can access your network and disable features that can leave you vulnerable, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). can.
5) Enable network encryption. Use the strongest encryption protocol available on your router, preferably WPA3 or at least WPA2. Encryption scrambles the data sent over the network, making it very difficult for hackers to intercept and decipher the information.
6) Restart your router regularly. Schedule periodic reboots to clear system memory and refresh all connections. This can disrupt potential malware.
Best Security Top Routers of 2024
Pro tip: Use strong antivirus software. To further protect your device from malware and other threats, consider using reputable antivirus software. Antivirus programs detect and remove malicious software, provide real-time protection, and alert you about potential threats. By keeping your devices safe, you can keep your entire network safe from cyberattacks.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Cart important points
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving the ways they target us, and it's no longer enough to protect just your phone or laptop. Be careful with anything connected to the internet, such as routers, smart cameras, and doorbells. However, Broadband Genie's research reveals that fewer people are aware of cybersecurity best practices when it comes to protecting their routers. As a basic rule, always remember to change the default password and change the router's network name for better security.
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