Router Security – Is Your System Vulnerable?

Our busy IT people are currently in the process of enhancing our website to allow for online payments.  Part of this process has involved running in-depth security checks through SecurityMetrics, an internationally recognised website scanning service, and we are pleased to say that our website passed with flying colours!

Whilst on the subject of online security, we wanted to raise awareness to a common vulnerability that many home and business users may be open to.

Most broadband suppliers send out their broadband routers which are configured with a default username and password.  Often these routers come preconfigured from Internet Service providers, so users don’t always think to go into the settings and change these crucial settings.  But unless this username as password is changed your router is potentially open to others to use and exploit.

It might serve you well to take 5 minutes and check your router settings.

How to Check Your Router Password

On a Windows PC, click on the Start menu and type CMD then press enter.  This will open the Command Prompt.  Here type IPCONFIG /ALL this gives you a set of information which includes your Default Gateway number.  Open your website browser and type this number into the address bar.  This will display the login page for your router.  You can look up the default username and password of any router at www.routerpassords.com all you need is the make and model of your router.  Once you have the default password, type it into the login page of your router, if you gain access to your router with these details, you might want to consider changing these details.

The process is much the same for a Mac, only the way you obtain your Default Gateway number is different.  So on a Mac click the Apple icon on the top left corner and select the System Preferences option.  Then click Network, your Default Gateway number appears next to the Router details. 

Safe surfing one and all!