With changing IT security dynamics hackers have updated their skill sets to a new level. Today apart from breaking into complex computer network of big multinationals hackers are regularly targeting home routers. When a hacker breaks into a router it never gets reported or make into mainstream news because it lacks the usual ‘punch’ of the news. IT experts have warned that most of the routers that people use are built on old technologies and are insecure. Hackers are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities to get easy access to the home network through routers. This makes all your devices like computer, phone, tablet, security camera, printers, scanner connected to the router vulnerable. This security loop holes allows hackers to access confidential files, install malware or virus on a network without the need of computer system.

secure your router from hackers

During recent IT security conferences around the world many security experts have raised the concern that if we don’t fix the problem now a large scale security disaster is waiting to happen. According to them buying a new advanced router can offer some advantage but does not solve the problem, we need to upgrade the router software system requires some degree of skill set which is outside the purview of most home users. The onus is the manufacturer of routers like Asus, Netgear, DLink, Belkin, and TP Link to make it as per the latest technology, with latest chipset, robust software and list of best practices that users should follow to keep their routers secure from hacker attack. Millions of general public who use routers do not have the advanced skill set to rectify the flaw.

There is a glimpse of hope as manufacturer and developers have realized that there is indeed a problem and it needs an immediate attention. Auto firmware update, using advanced chipset and developing a hack proof software system can be some of the way to make the router use more fool proof. At the onset the incident of hacking home router may seem a standalone but when we see the numbers of users using router run into millions then it indeed become important to look into the matter. Safety experts explain that it is important for people to realize that how insecure these devices can be for customers if they are not made aware of the situation.

Some of the proactive measures a consumer can take while using a wireless router at home:

1) Change the default password to something unique, hard to decipher yet easy to remember.

2) Consider upgrading your old router to a new latest one.

3) Always make sure that your Universal Plug and Play is off.

4) Turn off features that may not be in use.

5) Read the manual carefully and follow best practices mentioned in them.

6) Keep updating the firmware to the latest version.

With more and more internet enabled devices produced every year routers will be needed to connect them wirelessly to internet. When both manufacturer and consumer follow best practices one while developing them and others while using them then we can create a safe hacker free router experience.