Ignoring router security settings puts millions at risk of hidden dangers

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

These days, not only your laptop and phone are connected to the network, but also things like security cameras, thermostats and air conditioners are all controlled by your router. But be honest, when was the last time you did something to secure your router? It’s easy to forget, especially when it’s working well. The thing is, many people feel the same way, and research shows that this “out of sight, out of mind” attitude can put millions at great risk.

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The shocking facts about router security you need to know

I Broadband Genie 2024 router security survey discover surprising facts about how internet users approach router security. More than half of the respondents (52%) admitted that they have never adjusted their router’s factory settings. What’s more, 86% of users have never changed their router’s password. Leaving the default administrator password unchanged is like leaving your front door unlocked. It is an open invitation for criminals to be exploited.

Similarly, 72% of respondents have never changed their Wi-Fi password. Default passwords are often easily accessible and can be exploited in seconds by experienced attackers. Firmware updates, which are important for patching vulnerabilities and improving router performance, are also largely neglected. A whopping 89% of users have never updated their router’s firmware. While newer routers often handle updates automatically, user awareness and action are still important 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 valuable information about the routing model, making it easier to exploit known vulnerabilities. However, 89% of respondents have never changed their network name.

A picture of the router (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Many people do not know who is connected to their network

Shockingly, 75% of users never check to see who is connected to their network. With the average home now hosting up to 12 connected devices, failure to monitor network activity can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. More worryingly, three-quarters of respondents do not understand why configuring router settings is important, indicating a significant gap in awareness of the risks associated with automatic configuration.

“In 2022, we conducted a similar study and found that 48% had never touched the factory settings of the router. It is concerning that the number decreased only after two years, it became worse,” said Alex Tofts, Broadband Genie expert.

“The biggest concern 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 users need more education about the simple steps they can take to help prevent cyber attacks.”

A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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6 ways to protect your Wi-Fi router from hackers

Keeping your home network secure is important to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Follow these steps to secure your Wi-Fi router:

1) Change default passwords: Many routers come with default passwords that hackers can easily find online. To protect 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, including upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid simple options like “password123” or personal information like your name or birthday.

2) Rename your network (SSID): The default network name, or SSID, usually includes the brand or model of the router, making it easier for hackers to identify vulnerabilities. Rename your network to something different that does not reveal personal information. Avoid using names, addresses or other identifiers. Instead, choose a neutral or old name that is 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 bugs and improve performance. Check your router’s control panel regularly for updates or enable automatic updates, if supported. Keeping your firmware up to date ensures that you are protected from the latest threats. If your router is too old to accept 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. Go into your router’s admin settings to view all connected devices. If you see anything suspicious, disconnect it and immediately change your Wi-Fi password. 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 scrambles the data transmitted over your network, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and decipher your information.

6) Always reboot your router: Schedule a system reboot to clear system memory and refresh all connections, which may interfere with malware.

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

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that contain malware, which may have access to your private information, is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Find my picks for the best antivirus 2024 winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Kurt’s priority is taking

Cybercriminals are constantly changing the ways they target us, which means protecting your phone or laptop is no longer enough. 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 reveals that only a small number of people are aware of the best online security practices when it comes to securing 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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