People warned to follow five simple new rules with their Wi-Fi router
An expert has warned that millions of Brits are unknowingly leaving their Wi-Fi routers - and by association, their devices and sensitive personal data - open to potential cyberattacks.
In 2025 there are few technological inventions people depend on more than home Wi-Fi. The wireless internet technology maintains our connection through smartphones, tablets, laptops and various other devices, while ensuring our TVs, heating and other essential systems remain online and operational around the clock.
However, once you've enrolled in broadband and established your Wi-Fi router, how frequently do you perform any technical maintenance?
Most likely not very regularly. Yet according to one specialist, there are five simple actions everyone with a Wi-Fi router should take right away that could enhance your home network's protection and safeguard against attacks.
Potential cyber threats
Internet comparison platform Broadband Genie is cautioning that millions of people are inadvertently exposing their Wi-Fi routers - and consequently, their devices and confidential personal information - to potential cyber threats.
In fresh research carried out with security leader McAfee, Broadband Genie revealed it discovered 47 percent of internet users are at risk from hackers simply because they have never modified any of their Wi-Fi routers factory configurations, reports the Express.
"Many default settings can be dangerous in the hands of cybercriminals," said Oliver Devane, Senior Security Researcher at McAfee. "Your router is the gateway to all the connected devices in your home, so it's key to make sure it's secure, and that means updating the settings as well as employing best practices.
Five tips to improve internet security
"Just like changing the lock on your front door, changing the default router password will ensure only authorized people can access your home network."
Alex Tofts of Broadband Genie has shared five tips for all US Wi-Fi users that can be easily followed, and when done so could improve your internet security.
"Tweaking your router's default settings may sound daunting, but it's straightforward and only takes a few minutes," said Tofts. "To get started, access your router's control panel. Printed on your router will be a web address, enter this into your browser."
After following this instruction, you'll then be able to complete the following five changes, as explained by Tofts:.
Change your network encryption settings
"Your router will display different encryption types. This is the Wi-Fi security protocol your router uses to scramble and secure data transferred over its wireless network. Make sure the password type is set to 'WPA2' or 'WPA3' and not 'WEP'."
Set and change your passwords
"The router administrator password controls access to your router settings, it's also often set to an insecure default password, which will likely be the same for all routers from that manufacturer. Set and change your passwords These are well known and wouldn't take long for a hacker to gain access".
Change your network name
"A default network name will likely give away your provider and the make of your router. Changing your network name adds another barrier to keep away hackers. Pick anything you want, and have some fun. You could change it to 'Batman's Cave' or 'Hogwarts Castle' as long as your household can identify it as your home connection."
Update your router's software
"Software is what routers use to operate, and over time, manufacturers will update or make new features. This requires the user to run an update. We found over 8 in 10 have never done this. Some newer routers may do this automatically, but don't risk it".
Check who's using your network
"The average UK household will have about 12 devices connected to the Wi-Fi. When you log in, you can see what and who are connected. If you spot anything you don't recognise, boot it off and update your passwords if you haven't already."