Ignoring router security settings puts millions at risk from 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 travel, chatting with friends or watching movies.

These days, it’s not just your laptop and phone that’s connected to the network, but so are things like security cameras, thermostats, and even air conditioners controlled by your router. But be honest, when was the last time you did something to secure your router? It’s easy to forget it, especially if it’s working well. The thing is, many people feel the same way, and the study reveals that this “out of sight, out of mind” attitude could be putting millions at serious risk.

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Shocking facts about router security you need to know

The Broadband Genie Router Security Research 2024 has revealed some startling facts about how Internet users approach router security. More than half of the respondents (52%) admitted that they have never adjusted the factory settings of their router. Even more worrying is that 86% of users have never changed their router’s admin password. Leaving the default admin password unchanged is like leaving your front door unlocked. It’s an open invitation for hackers to take advantage.

Similarly, 72% of respondents have never changed their Wi-Fi password. Default passwords are often readily available and can be used by sophisticated attackers in seconds. Firmware updates, necessary 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 obvious problem is the failure to change the default network names, such as “SKY12345” or “Linksys-7890.” These identifiers can provide hackers with key information about a router’s model, making it easier to exploit known vulnerabilities. However, 89% of respondents never changed their network name.

SMART TRICK FOR FASTER CONNECTIONS ON 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 having around 12 connected devices, failure to monitor network activity could lead to unauthorized access and possible data breaches. More worryingly, three-quarters of respondents do not understand why adjusting router settings is important, showing a significant lack of 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. Worryingly, not only did the number decrease after two years, but it got worse,” said Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie.

“Most concerning is the very high percentage of broadband subscribers who don’t even know why they should make any of these changes. This reveals a clear knowledge gap, and consumers need to be more educated about the simple steps they can take to help prevent cyberattacks.”

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6 ways to protect your Wi-Fi router from hackers

Keeping your home network secure is key to preventing 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 both the administrator password (used to access settings) and the Wi-Fi network password. Use a strong password with 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 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, opt for a neutral or creative name that is easy for you to recognize but hard 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 admin panel for updates regularly or enable automatic updates, if supported. Keeping your firmware up-to-date ensures your 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 it down and expose you to risks. Log into your router’s admin settings to see all connected devices. If you see anything suspicious, disconnect 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 can 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 much more difficult for hackers to intercept and decrypt your data.

6) Restart the router regularly: Schedule a restart routine to clear system memory and refresh all connections, which can disrupt potential malware.

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Pro tip: Use strong antivirus software: To further protect your devices from malware and other threats, consider using reputable antivirus software. Antivirus programs can detect and remove malware, provide real-time protection, and alert you to potential threats. Keeping your devices secure helps ensure that your entire network remains safe from cyberattacks.

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

Kurt’s outdoor essentials

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving the ways they target us, which means protecting just your phone or laptop isn’t enough anymore. You need to be careful with everything connected to the Internet, whether it’s your router, smart cameras, or doorbell. However, Broadband Genie’s research reveals that few people are aware of cybersecurity best practices when it comes to protecting their routers. As a basic rule, always remember to change the default passwords and rename your router’s network to ensure better security.

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