Router Security: 8 Signs Your Router May Put Your Privacy At Risk

Did you know that your router, the gateway between your various devices and the Internet, is a prime target for cyber attacks if not protected correctly? Well, that’s pretty true. Luckily, there are various options you can use to protect yourself and your data. For instance, sturdy solutions that can protect your entire network in one swing, like ExpressVPN for router are a good option if you have many devices connected to the same network.  It is just one of the many safeguarding measures you can take to protect your privacy. 

However, to stay vigilant against threats, you need more than knowing different safeguarding measures. You must also be aware of the signs that your router may risk your privacy. Knowing the signs will help you plan your safety measures much more effectively. 

So, keep scrolling through this comprehensive guide. Here, we will examine some signs that your router’s safety may be compromised. 

Sign 1: Outdated Firmware

Firmware is the foundation of any router’s security. Like any other software, firmware requires regular updates. Staying updated helps firmware patch vulnerabilities and withstand newer threats. 

So, if you fail to update your firmware as and when required, you may be making it susceptible to hackers, malware, and other malicious threats, compromising your privacy. 

One famous example of the damage outdated firmware can cause is Mirai Botnet. It exploited the weaknesses in outdated firmware and launched massive DDoS attacks. Mirai and many other examples highlight the necessity of keeping router firmware. 

Sign 2: Default Credentials

Most routers come with default usernames and passwords when they are installed. These usernames and passwords are generic and can be easily guessed. So, when setting up a router in their home, replacing these passwords with better, more complex alternatives that can’t be guessed is crucial. 

Complex passwords will prevent attackers from gaining unauthorized access to your home and, therefore, protect your privacy. Not changing the password is like leaving a key to your house under the mat for all potential intruders to find and use. 

Sign 3: Unexplained Data Usage

Do you track your monthly internet data usage via your router? If you still need to, you should start ASAP. Monitoring data usage will give you a fair idea of your usual internet usage pattern. If you don’t want to do it manually, use your router’s built-in traffic monitoring features or third-party services like Solarwinds, which can do the job. 

This way, if and when you notice excessive data usage that you can’t explain, you will be prompted to investigate what’s causing it. Your investigation might lead to unauthorized users or malware that may have been consuming your data without your knowledge, compromising your privacy. 

Sign 4: DNS Hijacking

Imagine you’re trying to access your banking website. But instead of landing on its homepage, you find yourself on a counterfeit page that is eerily similar to the real one. Sounds like a scary nightmare, right? DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking can make it come true. 

DNS hijacking is another sign that your router may have been hacked. It’s yet another sneaky tactic that cybercriminals employ to redirect your intended destination to something malicious. By doing this, they can intercept your communication channels, steal sensitive information, etc. 

To prevent this, you must monitor your DNS settings closely for unexpected changes and periodically verify that they are configured correctly.

Sign 5: Frequent Disconnects And Slow Internet

Sure, there’s nothing suspicious about having your internet speed slowed down or your Wi-Fi suddenly disconnected from your device occasionally. However, it might be a cause for concern if it happens frequently. 

It could be one of the many signs that malware or unauthorized users are consuming your bandwidth and disrupting your Internet access. 

So, you need to check your router’s performance regularly. If you notice something unusual, launch a prompt investigation and immediately address the potential security risks.

Sign 6: Suspicious Network Activity

When it comes to your home network, you can’t just set it up and forget about it. There are so many things that you have to monitor— for the sake of your privacy. So, add network activity to the list of things you already have to keep your eyes peeled for. 

You need to monitor your network to spot any unusual network activity patterns. These could include unauthorized users accessing the Internet via your router, unusual traffic patterns, unaccounted-for data transfers, etc. Spotting these things could indicate that your home router may have been hacked. 

Sign 7: Overheating Or Physical Damage

You might not believe this, but overheating or physical damage can compromise your house router’s security. You see, physical damage to the components of your router causes malfunctions in its working and creates vulnerabilities that otherwise might not have existed. 

Attackers can benefit from this malfunction and exploit the weakness. So, you must ensure your router is free of physical damage and doesn’t get overheated. 

Sign 8: Lack Of Firewall Protection

Prioritizing your firewall might seem basic, but you need firewall protection for your house router. After all, it acts as a virtual barrier that scrutinizes incoming and outgoing networks via your router. Also, if the firewall detects any potentially harmful or unauthorized connections, it can block them effectively, keeping you safe. 

So, you can imagine what can happen without firewall protection. If your router lacks it or the firewall features are disabled, your critical defense mechanism is not in place, then you, indeed, are at the mercy of your attackers. 

Due to all these threats, your router’s firewall settings must always be enabled and configured. That will act as an impenetrable barrier against intruders and attackers, keeping you safe. 

Conclusion

These are some signs that your router may be risking your privacy. Being mindful of these signs and taking appropriate steps to secure your routers can help you mitigate cyber threats effectively. Keeping firmware up to date and having a firewall can help keep your privacy safe. Integrating a VPN to mask your router’s IP can also serve as an extra layer of protection. 

On this note, stay informed and vigilant to secure your digital life and have some peace of mind!