If I had a penny for every person who simply set up their router and never thought to open the settings again, I would have a lot of pennies. And that’s just the people I know.
Ignoring your router doesn’t seem like a big deal. Most of us are not the primary target of cybercriminals, so we lull ourselves into a false sense of security. Incorrect: Ignored routers are exactly what attackers like to look for, and I can bet yours could use stricter security settings.
The real mistake is not logging back into your router
And it is the perfect invitation for cybercriminals
If you’ve largely ignored your router since it arrived home, trust me, you’re far from alone in this.
The problem with routers is that they are treated more like appliances than computers. No one changes their refrigerator settings every quarter, so why would you do the same with your router? The thing is, your router has a lot more access to a lot more critical information than your refrigerator (even if it’s smart), so it deserves to be given more respect than that.
Your router runs software, manages permissions, and decides which devices get access. But it does so with much less fanfare than other devices. Your phone will pester you endlessly until you finally install that update, as will your Windows PC, but your router is very forgettable.
It shouldn’t be like this.
Your router is the gateway to everything else on your network. Once it is misconfigured, outdated, or protected by a weak administrator password that has never been changed, your entire network may be at risk.
keyword
Can you decipher today’s CODE WORD?
daily puzzle
Firmware updates are the first thing to check
Security fixes don’t install themselves (unfortunately)
Firmware updates aren’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s also where I recommend starting if you haven’t been paying much attention to your router lately. Your router’s firmware is the software that keeps everything running, and like any other software, it can have bugs or vulnerabilities that you don’t want around your home network. However, it’s easy to overlook router updates, especially if they aren’t installed automatically.
This is also where having your own router becomes a little easier than rent it from your ISP. Many modern models give you a proper app, a clear update page, and more control over what happens.
One way or another, log into your router’s settings and look for something called Firmware Update, Software Update, System, or Administration. If automatic updates are available, go ahead and activate them.
Your router password and Wi-Fi password are important
Each for their reasons
One of the easiest router mistakes is to think that the router password is the only password you should change.
There are actually two, oh joy: your router’s Wi-Fi password and your router’s administrator password, which protects the settings page.
Both are important, but in different ways; If the administrator password remains the default, someone with access to your network will also be able to access the settings that control it. Meanwhile, your Wi-Fi password is the one that gets shared and forgotten, so you shouldn’t leave it unchanged forever.
- Supported standards
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802.11.be, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11g, 802.11n
- Speeds
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6500 megabits per second
For your router to give you access to all those settings and updates, you’ll probably need to buy your own instead of relying on your ISP. This model from TP-Link is a solid option.
Check your list of connected devices
Your network has more freeloaders than you remember
While you’re already fiddling with your router’s management page, this is the perfect time to check what’s actually connected to it. Most routers have a page called something like Connected Devices, Client List, Connected Devices, or DHCP Clients. This is where you can see all the devices connected to your network.
When you review this list, many of the names can be confusing. Don’t be surprised to find that your phone has a name that appears to be the brand name followed by some nonsense. Trace these devices to the source and remove those they no longer need access to.
Give your router some love
If your ISP set up your connection for you, they may have simply left your router as is and ignored it since. But it’s never too late to correct that mistake.
Don’t take your router/Wi-Fi settings for granted; optimize them. Your network will thank you.
9/10
- Supported standards
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802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be
- Speeds
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5.7Gbps
This Unifi router is one of the most solid Wi-Fi 7 routers you will find. It will set you up for many years of networking.
