Getting a decent Wi-Fi connection is now an important part of our homes but it seems millions might be putting themselves at risk by not making some simple checks and changes. According to new research from the team at Broadband Genie, it appears the majority of UK broadband users plug in the Wi-Fi routers and never touch or check them ever again.
This could mean vital updates are not installed, rogue devices gain access to networks and passwords are never changed making routers far easier to hack.
Broadband Genie says it surveyed over 3,000 internet users with 9 in 10 admitting that they have never updated their router firmware and most users have never changed the administrator password.
Another worrying stat is the number of people who never run a quick check to see what devices are linked to their system – this means neighbours could be piggybacking broadband and slowing things down. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer apps which let you check what gadgets are connected to the router and it’s worth seeing just how many devices are logged in and blocking any that don’t belong to you.
When asked what the main reason was for not changing their router factory settings, the majority said they didn’t understand why they would need to.
To try and help improve awareness around this issue, Broadband Genie says it asked Oliver Devane, senior security researcher at McAfee, why it’s important to adjust the settings.
“Many default settings can be dangerous in the hands of cybercriminals,” explained Devane
“Your router is the gateway to all the connected devices in your home, so it’s key to make sure it’s secure.”
“Cybercriminals take advantage of bugs and vulnerabilities in firmware, to gain access to your online information. Keeping the firmware up to date with the latest security patches will prevent this from happening. Investing in protection software which has a VPN will also encrypt and secure internet connections, adding an extra layer of protection to help you stay safe online.”
“Just like changing the lock on your front door, changing the default router password will ensure only authorised people can access your home network.”
“Many internet users are simply unaware of the risks associated with their routers, and more needs to be done to raise awareness.”
Most UK ISPs also push out security patches overnight so it’s also vital that homes leave their routers on as this means vital upgrades won’t be installed.
Speaking about the latest stats, Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie, said: “In 2022, we ran a similar study and found 48 per cent had never touched their router’s factory settings. It’s concerning that not only has the number come down after two years, it’s got worse.”
“Most concerning is the very high percentage of UK broadband subscribers who don’t even know why they should be making any of these changes. This exposes a clear knowledge gap and users need to be educated more about the simple steps they can take to help prevent cyberattacks.”
“ISPs should ensure Wi-Fi routers are as secure as possible out of the box and provide clear guidance and support to help users of all skill levels adjust key router security settings.”
“If you’re unsure how to adjust your router settings, there are comprehensive resources online and your ISP will be able to help if you require further assistance.”