UK homes are being urged to check the security of their Wi-Fi and change some simple router settings.
Your Wi-Fi router might be vital to keep you connected to the internet, but it could also be a gateway for cyber crooks. If, like most people, you simply leave your router to get on with things and never dig into the settings, it could be bad news for the security of all the devices that connect to it.
In fact, experts are warning that millions of us are leaving our routers open to worrying cyberattacks. In a bid to help stop online thieves in their tracks, the team at Broadband Genie has released some vital tips and changes to make to block future issues and attacks.
These include changing the default password, keeping things updated and switching the name of the network.
“Tweaking your router’s default settings may sound daunting, but it’s straightforward and only takes a few minutes,” explained Alex Tofts, a broadband expert at Broadband Genie.
“To get started, access your router’s control panel. Printed on your router will be a web address, enter this into your browser.”
It’s worth following some of this advice, as the more secure things are, the less chance of getting hacked or devices filled with worrying malware.
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Here are 5 things to consider changing on your router according to Broadband Genie.
Switch your network encryption settings
Your router will display different encryption types. This is the Wi-Fi security protocol your router uses to scramble and secure data transferred over its wireless network. Make sure the password type is set to ‘WPA2’ or ‘WPA3’ and not ‘WEP’.
Set and change your passwords
It may sound obvious, but having a bad router password could leave you in all kinds of trouble. The router administrator password controls access to your router settings. It’s also often set to an insecure default password, which will likely be the same for all routers from that manufacturer. Change this and the Wi-Fi password. These are well-known and wouldn’t take long for a hacker to gain access.
Change your network name
Another top tip from Broadband Genie is to check the default network name. If left alone, this will likely give away your provider and the make of your router.
“Changing your network name adds another barrier to keep away hackers, Tofts explained.
“Pick anything you want, and have some fun. You could change it to ‘Batman’s Cave’ or ‘Hogwarts Castle’ as long as your household can identify it as your home connection.”
Update your router’s software
Don’t switch off your router at night and always check it’s updated with the latest software. This will make it’s secure and less vulnerable to cyber bugs.
“Software is what routers use to operate, and over time, manufacturers will update or make new features,” Tofts added. “This requires the user to run an update. We found over 8 in 10 have never done this. Some newer routers may do this automatically, but don’t risk it.”
Check who’s using your network
We’ve all handed over our Wi-Fi codes to people, so it’s always good to check who is connected to the network. This will allow you to see if the neighbour is hijacking your Wi-Fi.
Explaning more, Tofts said, “The average UK household will have about 12 devices connected to the Wi-Fi. When you log in, you can see what and who are connected. If you spot anything you don’t recognise, boot it off and update your passwords if you haven’t already.”
Along with issuing the alert to consumers, Broadband Genie also shared its findings with another top security expert.
“Many default settings can be dangerous in the hands of cybercriminals,” explained Oliver Devane, Senior Security Researcher at McAfee, who emphasised the importance of updating your router’s factory settings.
“Your router is the gateway to all the connected devices in your home, so it’s key to make sure it’s secure, and that means updating the settings as well as employing best practices.
“Just like changing the lock on your front door, changing the default router password will ensure only authorised people can access your home network.”
Each router is different, so if you are unsure about changing the settings, find which model you are using and contact the provider if you are struggling.