If I had a dime for anyone who just sets up their router and never thinks to open the settings again, I’d have a bunch of pennies. And these are people I know.
Ignoring your router doesn’t seem like a big deal. Most of us are not prime targets for cybercriminals, so we are lulled into a false sense of security. Wrong: Ignoring routers is where attackers like to go, and I bet yours could use tighter security settings.
The real mistake is never logging back into your router
This is the perfect invitation for cybercriminals
If you haven’t been paying attention to your router since it entered your home, trust me, you’re far from alone.
The problem with routers is that they are viewed more like appliances than computers. Nobody changes their cooler settings every quarter, so why would you do the same with your router? The thing is, your router has more access to critical data than your refrigerator (even if it’s smart), so it deserves more respect than that.
Your router runs software that manages permissions and decides which devices get access. But it does so with less fanfare than other devices. Just like your Windows-based PC, your phone will taunt you endlessly until you finally install this update, but your router is pretty forgettable.
It shouldn’t be.
Your router is the gateway to everything on your network. When it’s poorly configured, outdated, or protected by a weak admin password that’s never changed, your entire network can be at risk.
Code word
Can you crack 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 if you haven’t been paying much attention to your router lately, it’s where I recommend starting. Your router’s software is what keeps everything running, and like any other software, it can have bugs or vulnerabilities that you don’t want anywhere near your home network. Router updates are easy to miss, especially if they aren’t installed automatically.
This is where it gets a little easier than owning your own router renting it from an ISP. Many modern models give you the right software, a clear update page, and more control over what’s going on.
Either way, go into your router’s settings and look for something labeled Firmware Update, Software Update, System or Management. If you have automatic updates, go ahead and turn them on.
Your router password and Wi-Fi password are important
Each for their own reasons
One of the easiest router mistakes to make is to think that the router password is the only password you need to change.
There are actually two, oh, joys: your router’s Wi-Fi password and the router’s admin password, which protects the settings page.
Both are important, but in different ways; If the admin password is still the default password, someone with access to your network can also access the settings that control it. At the same time, your Wi-Fi password is a shared and forgotten password, so you should not 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
In order for your router to give you access to all these settings and updates, you’ll likely need to purchase one yourself instead of relying on your ISP. This TP-Link model is a solid choice.
Check the connected device list
Your network has more downloaders than you remember
While you may already be fiddling with your router’s admin page, it’s the perfect time to check out what’s actually connected to it. Most routers have a page called Connected Devices, Client List, Additional Devices, or DHCP Clients. Here you can see every device connected to your network.
Many names can be confusing when you look at this list. Don’t be surprised if your phone is called something that sounds like a brand name followed by some gibberish. Return these devices to the source and delete those that no longer need access.
Give your router some TLC
If your ISP set up your connection for you, you may have left the router as is and ignored it ever since. But it’s never too late to correct this 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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5.7 Gbps
This Unifi router is one of the most robust Wi-Fi 7 routers you will find. This will keep you networking for years to come.
