Security Of Your WiFi Is Probably Weak. Here’s How to Fix That

Chances are that when you bought a wireless router, you probably did not prioritize strong network WiFi security.

After all, when we think about wireless network connectivity in our homes, most of us usually care more about the speed of data transmissions and how much range the WiFi router can cover.

But it is high time to change our views. Network security needs to be high on our list of considerations because a wireless station is a gateway for devices to get on the web. If your wireless router is infected with harmful malicious software or with any virus, all your internet connected devices become vulnerable, including your computer, smartwatch, smartphone, television and Amazon Echo.

A recent cyberthreat underscores the need to take network connection security more seriously. Last month, a threat research arm of Cisco, Talos, in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, discovered that a harmful malware system with links to Russia had infected hundreds of thousands of wireless routers made by popular brands like TP-Link, Netgear and Linksys Router. This month, Talos revealed the issue was even worse than initially thought, WiFi routers from other brands like D-Link and Asus had also been infected.

That means base stations from every well-known wireless router brand were a target for this harmful malware, known as VPNFilter, which is capable of manipulating your internet traffic. Attackers could use it to load a fake banking website on your internet browser which looks like the one you normally use and steal your credentials and clean out your entire bank accounts. They could also load multiple spoof versions of an email website you use to steal your password and gain access to your communications.

D-Link, Netgear and Linksys said they advised people to install the latest version security firmware updates and to choose strong passwords and usernames. Asus and TP-Link did not respond to requests for comment.

Our remedy? For starters, ensure your wireless station is always running the latest version of its software system or firmware, just as you are supposed to keep the operating systems up-to-date for your computer, laptop and smartphone. In a 2014 survey of employees and I.T. professionals who work remotely conducted by the security firm Tripwire, only 32 percent of people said they knew how to update their WiFi routers with the latest firmware.

Most customers do not know to patch these things, said Matt Watchinski, a senior director of Cisco Talos, who helped research the harmful VPNFilter malware. They do not treat it like they do their refrigerator or air-conditioner, where we all know we should change the filters.

Here is a small guide to some of the best practices you can embrace to make sure that your WiFi router and, by extension, all your internet devices are safe

Routinely update the firmware:-

Even though a WiFi router lacks moving parts, it needs to be maintained with the latest security firmware updates. Easier said than done, right? Here is a basic step-by-step guide for how to do that:-

1. Consult the instruction manual for your WiFi router to get its IP address, a string of numbers that you will punch into an internet browser for access to the wireless router’s web dashboard. Jot down the number and store it somewhere secure and safe like your filing cabinet.

2. After entering the WiFi router’s IP address into an internet browser, log in to the base station with your password and username. In the WiFi router’s web dashboard, click on the firmware update settings. Look for a button which lets you check for the latest firmware update version.

3. If a firmware security update is available, choose to install it and let the WiFi router restart. Repeat this process in every three to six months.

4. If you use a WiFi router provided by a broadband provider like Verizon or Comcast, call the department of customer service and ask whether your device or equipment has been updated with the latest security firmware.

If you need any help regarding Linksys smart WiFi firmware or Linksys smart WiFi firmware update then you can anytime contact our Linksys router support team where you can chat with our expert technicians. You can solve all your issues regarding Linksys router update.

Source : http://routerhelpnumber.com/blog/security-of-your-wifi-is-probably-weak-heres-how-to-fix-that.php