Are you leaving your internet connection vulnerable to hackers? According to new research, a staggering 86% of broadband users have little awareness of their cybersecurity practices, particularly when it comes to the device they use to access the internet—their router.
Most people never change the default admin password on their routers, which poses a significant security risk, experts warn. Here’s why it matters and what you need to do right now to protect yourself.
Why Changing Your Router Password is Critical
Many newer router models come with a unique default admin password, which is better than having a generic one that is the same across all devices. However, if the password is too short or easy to guess, it’s still advisable to change it to something stronger. This small step can greatly reduce the risk of a cyber attack on your network.
But it’s not just the admin password that needs attention. Unchanged Wi-Fi passwords also pose a risk to your network, making it easy for hackers to bypass security within minutes.
What You Can Do Right Now
To boost the security of your broadband router and protect your network from hackers, follow these steps:
1. Perform a factory reset: Disconnect your internet and perform a full reset of your router to wipe out any potentially harmful changes that could have been made.
2. Change the admin and Wi-Fi passwords: After resetting, immediately update both your router’s admin password and Wi-Fi password to something strong and unique.
3. Update your firmware: Regularly check for firmware updates or enable automatic updates if your router supports them.
By taking these simple actions, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of your network being compromised. Stay proactive in securing your devices to ensure that your connection is safe from unwanted intruders.
Let OptfinITy Keep Your Network Secure
To learn more about how to recognize common threats to your network, contact us at OptfinITy by calling 703-790-0400 or send an email to sales@optfinITy.com today.
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