Why should you keep your router secure?

The internet router/modem is a key piece of kit because it is the last stop where the internet arrives before it reaches your other devices. Yet, today modern internet routers/modems that are offered by ISPs like Cisco’s or Netgear’s models are modem/router all-in-one combos designed that way to accommodate more devices Since routers/modems are the pit stop between the municipal switching box outside your home and your personal devices, is it not peculiar then, that the security of these devices is often overlooked? Once in, the default passwords are usually; ● Username: Username, Password: Password ● Username: 12345, Password: 12345 ● Username: admin, Password: admin In some cases, the username and password are blank -so from the router/modem’s configuration page, it is sufficient to simply leave the fields empty and hit enter or the log in button. T-Mobile customers reported receiving fraudulent debit card charges as well as spam via text messages and strange calls ● The 2018 attack on MikroTik router/modems where hackers were spying on unsecured routers which led to the internet traffic of thousands of MikroTik users being forwarded to the hackers ● CyberArk security researcher Ido Hoorvitch’s hacking experiment allowed him to breach thousands of home routers with basic WPA protocols in Tel Aviv, Israel by using a revolutionary hack tool There are countless examples of real-world router/modem breach scenarios, and none of the consequences were trivial in the least. The more characters the merrier the security ● Disable any WPS and UPnP features if you do not explicitly require them ● Upgrade your router/modem’s security protocol to WPA2 at a minimum, although WP3 is better if it is available for you ● Protect yourself from packet-sniffing by keeping your firewall enabled ● Use an SSL or TLS encrypted email program, ● Only browse websites that contain an HTTPS prefix in the URL address bar ● Use a VPN or Virtual Private Network while connected to the internet The above tips are sufficient for a good level of anonymity and security in terms of home users.