Not a month goes by without some new router exploit. The website routersecurity.org, which helps track these kinds of things, shows recent exploits in Asus, Netgear, Cisco, Linksys, D-Link, TP-Link, and many other popular brands of routers. The issues include outdated operating systems, old versions of software, and hardcoded credentials that can be used from anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, many users who own their routers don’t keep them up-to-date.
While it is true that some newer router models automatically update themselves, many times, that feature must be enabled. Older routers may not have that feature at all, and sadly many popular routers have been abandoned by their creators without any security patches.
What is the danger?
In the past, if criminals broke into your router, they used it to host malicious websites. While this might still be the case, these days, hacked routers are used by criminals to spy on network traffic, hack your DNS settings and steal your passwords, and use them to mine cryptocurrency. Another popular tactic is to present you with a phony technical support page with a fake phone number.
What can ITC do?
If you want to avoid the hassle of updating your router and managing your connections, consider leasing a router from ITC. One major advantage of our Blast Wi-Fi routers is that we work to keep them as up-to-date and secure as possible. We take care of things like firmware updates and other security measures. They also feature carrier-grade reliability to create an optimal Wi-Fi experience. You can be assured that your router is as secure as it can be.
The ITC Blast Wi-Fi package options include an app enabling advanced parental controls and network security. The app will also let you scan your network, check your bandwidth, create guest networks, and set your Internet up the way you want it. Our optional intelligent mesh units help ensure Internet coverage inside your home and may extend your wireless to your patio or other outdoor areas.
What can you do?
If you do not have an ITC router, ensure your router’s firmware and other software are up to date. How to do this will vary depending on your router brand. To determine the steps necessary for your device, refer to the documents that came with your router. If you don’t have them any longer, they should be available from the manufacturer’s website. One thing to remember is that the update process needs to run without losing power. You should also check to see if your router supports automatic updates. If it does, you should turn it on to automatically get the security fixes that keep the bad guys out.