Your router is not safe by default: Hackers love unchanged passwords

Whether your router is brand new or you've had it for some time, it's essential you change the factory-set default password. Otherwise you could be making it easy for hackers — dpa

People are generally aware of the danger posed to computers and smartphones by malicious software and cyber criminals, but often they don’t consider that their Internet router can also be targeted.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to increase your router’s security.

Firstly, whether your router is brand new or you’ve had it for some time, it’s vital to change the factory-set default password. The next step is to activate automatic firmware updates. These will help to protect your router from the latest malware.

If the router doesn’t offer auto-updates, you should check the router manufacturer's support site for updates at regular intervals.

Auto-updates and a changed password makes the router much hard to attack. Another important protective step is to close any open ports that are not being used. These can be thought of as open doors through which uninvited guests can enter.

There are websites that can show how safe your router is. For example, F-Secure Router Checker (f-secure.com/en/home/free-tools/router-checker) can be used to find out whether the DNS address settings of the router have been manipulated by attackers.

If they have been, you may find yourself being redirected to advertising sites or malicious sites. You could, for example, be sent to a fake version of your online banking site where your login details could be stolen. – dpa