Routers are a helpful piece of technology that works to give us access to the digital world. They come in many different styles and help to monitor the traffic on our systems. However, they sometimes have a darker side. If not secured, routers can be an easy gateway for hackers to gain access to your computer and its information. A recent survey showed that computer users often have no clue about router security and how they can protect theirs.
This article will explore more about the dangers of unsecured routers and how you can work to help better protect yours. Below you’ll find some things that could happen if you don’t protect it. Also, some tips as to how you can work to better safeguard your router from intrusions.
What is a Router?
A router is a small device that usually sits near a computer or similar item to help it connect to other networks. They can be either wireless or wired and work to help store any digital memory and interfaces necessary. Routers are used in all spaces that house computers and often include firewall settings to help protect your devices.
The Dangers of Unsecured Routers
Routers have great security settings to help better protect your computer, but if not used, your computer system can be at a huge risk to possible attacks. One of the biggest dangers of this is that hackers can steal your information. If you don’t have a strong password, use the router’s security and firewall settings, or check for bugs that could cripple your system, an unsecured router can be an easy target for hackers to secretly take your information.
Steps to Help You Guard Your Router
If you’d like to better protect your router, these steps can help you do so. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Make a Strong Password
While most routers often come with a unique password, it’s a good idea to make up your own. This isn’t to say that by using the given password you’re automatically susceptible to attacks. However, by creating your own it can help to better secure your information.
Turn on the Firewall Settings
It’s always a good idea to turn the router’s firewall on. This is a step many people often forget when setting up their router. This is due to the common notion that the computer firewall covers it, but this isn’t always the case. So, be sure to enable the firewall setting on your router to help better secure it.
Use WPA Security
Experts often recommend that you use WPA (Wireless Protected Access) as it’s a modern network that can help to secure your router. WPA helps to better encrypt your data so there is no unauthorized access to it. Routers are an essential piece of technology we all need to use in our homes and offices today. However, it’s important to remember that these vital items can have major security concerns if you don’t address them quickly.
Hackers can steal any information on it if you don’t watch it closely. This can be deadly to your finances and other personal information. You can prevent this though by creating strong passwords and checking your router’s security settings often. If you want to help better protect your digital information, be sure to secure your router. By doing so, you’ll be able to guard your information without fear of hackers stealing it. With the information and steps mentioned above, you can be sure that you can work toward keeping your router free from attacks.