It’s likely you forgot a critical step during your router’s installation: changing its default password.
Maybe you’re thinking you don’t need to protect yourself with a password because no one lives nearby.
So, who’s going to steal your signal? Or maybe it’s wired, not wireless, so you’re thinking you’re not in danger.
Both those assumptions are wrong. Anyone can walk or drive up to your property and use your signal, and you don’t know what they’re using it for. Plus, even wired routers connect to the Internet, so they are vulnerable to hackers.
Hackers and everyone else can find your router’s secret password in just a few seconds.
Want to know how? Visit RouterPasswords. Once on, do a quick search for your router’s manufacturer. Click on your manufacturer’s name, and RouterPasswords will display a list of all its router models, and their passwords.
For example, find Cisco in RouterPasswords‘ drop-down menu. Click on Find Password, and in one second you’ll see passwords for dozens of Cisco routers. If your router also requires a username, that will be listed right next to the password.
Warning: Now that you know how to find your router’s default password, we strongly suggest that you immediately change it. If you can find your router’s default password in just a second, so can hackers.
Hackers break into routers all the time. They break in, and install malware to take it over. In fact, hackers are counting on you to not change your router’s passwords. Many people don’t, and it’s a huge problem.
Not all routers and other hardware are protected by firewalls and anti-virus software. (Make sure you have a good anti-virus program installed, and make sure it’s up to date.
If your router is hacked, you may need a fix from the hardware manufacturer, or your Internet provider. That’s a hassle, and it can take a while. Check out this other Cool Site, for F-Secure Router Checker, to see if your router has been hacked. If it has, Router Checker will provide tips for getting it fixed.
Note: Nothing keeps you protected better than a secure password.