What the Tech?: Router Passwords
The most important password in your home might be one you’ve never changed. It’s not your email or social media login. It’s the username and password for your home WiFi router.
Every router, whether it’s provided by your internet company or one you bought yourself, comes with a factory default login. That information is often printed on a sticker and is meant to help you get started with setup. But here’s the problem.
Those factory logins are often available online. A hacker who knows your router brand and model can look up that default password and try to connect to your network. And yes, it happens more than you think.
There are YouTube videos showing routers being remotely accessed by people who do not live in the home. Once they’re in, they can see which devices are connected and possibly even take control of them. Smart doorbells, cameras, baby monitors, and thermostats are all potential targets.
The FBI has issued several warnings over the years encouraging people to update their router passwords and check for firmware updates. In one case, they urged everyone to reboot their routers to help fight off a global malware attack. These warnings often go unnoticed, but the risks are real.
If you’ve never changed your router’s login information, now’s the time. Most newer routers make this easy to do through an app on your phone. While you’re there, check that you’ve enabled security features like WPA2 or WPA3.
This type of encryption keeps people from easily accessing your data.
Some people hesitate to change the login info because they want guests to easily connect. But there’s a smarter solution. You can generate a QR code that lets guests scan and join your WiFi without typing a password at all. Print it out and place it somewhere convenient. Many free apps and websites can generate the code in just a few steps.
Also, keep your router up to date. Manufacturers release software patches to close security holes. Look in your router’s app or settings menu for a section about firmware or software updates.
Think of your router like your front door. Leaving the default settings in place is like leaving your house unlocked. It only takes a few minutes to secure it, and that one step can go a long way in protecting your family’s digital life.
