The digital age has driven global transmission, learning and productivity while streamlining complex processes and inspiring innovation. While businesses and people have benefited from these rapidly evolving technologies, the increasing demand and adoption have their risks.
Routers are the epicenter of network connectivity, so ramping up their security is paramount. Router-based attacks are at an all-time high as criminals invade systems to steal sensitive data. Unfortunately, data breaches and service interruptions are becoming more routine without an advanced defense.
What Are the Most Common Router-Based Attacks?
Router-based attacks are a grave offense against your network. Cyberattackers are also growing more savvy in their approaches.
For instance, distributed denial of services attacks have grown with the rise of the Internet of Things. The IoT relies on decentralized and varied networks with restricted security, making it susceptible to cyberattacks. A DDoS attack makes numerous requests and overwhelms servers. It’s often challenging to pinpoint because it appears to be a bot on IoT gadgets.
Domain name system spoofing is another standard attack on routers. In this method, users think they’re visiting a safe website but stumble on a malicious one instead. From there, they may provide sensitive information without realizing it or fall for phishing scams. DNS spoofing and DDoS attacks can cause extensive, costly breaches.
Router-based man-in-the-middle offenses occur when cybercriminals interrupt and modify device communication. Attackers can then view sensitive details or infiltrate systems with harmful content. MITM attackers often use this method to steal login details and take personal information, compromising your online security and privacy.
Ramp up Router-Based Security in These 6 Ways
Your sensitive data will be at risk without robust router-based safeguards. Protect your information and networks with these six preventive solutions.
1. Reboot Your Router
Fending off router attacks can be as simple as a reboot. You can do this by unplugging the router from the outlet and plugging it back in or switching it off and on.
Start by disconnecting the internet from your devices and wait 30 seconds before tinkering with the router’s power source. Give it another three minutes before turning it back on, and check to ensure you have a network connection again.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi allows internet access without a password in public spaces. You may have used it in places like a hotel, library, airport or cafe. However, these networks are often less secure than private ones and lack encryption.
Anyone using the same network can access the information you send or receive from your device without encryption, making you more vulnerable to MITM router-based attacks. In addition to obstructing your online communication, you might be at risk of malware infections.
Using public Wi-Fi for remote banking makes you a tempting target for criminals. Always wait until you can access a private network to conduct these online activities to secure your financial data.
3. Implement Firewall Protection
Firewall protection creates a barricade between internal and external networks and removes outgoing activity according to its configuration. It’s a straightforward way to protect confidential information and prevent malicious attacks on your devices, including malware and hacking.
Scan your router’s public IP address using free online tools to ensure your firewall works correctly. Ultimately, your firewall should block possible entry points. You can also execute simulated attacks on your intrusion detection system to see if it sets off trigger alerts and conduct penetration testing to look for firewall defects.
4. Set up Strong Passwords and Encryption
Every router should have a highly secure password and encryption to prevent unauthorized access. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, your password should have the following characteristics:
- Be at least 16 characters
- Contain a random string of letters, numbers and symbols or a passphrase of four to seven memorable words, such as RainPurpleLunchFrogTwoCloud
- Use unique passwords for every account, such as one for your router, a different one for your email and another for your online banking login
Encrypting your router is another recommended and effective protection measure. The process changes ciphertext to cryptographic algorithms, making data illegible to criminals.
5. Monitor All Network Activity
Regularly check your router logs and network activity for recent events and unauthorized access attempts. Suspicious activity to look for includes increases in traffic, unusual outbound traffic to unauthorized destinations, several failed login attempts and distinctive memory use.
Turn to network analysis tools to inspect router activity effectively. Whether examining home-based routers or corporate systems, the best tools should offer real-time monitoring, comprehensive traffic analysis, customizable dashboards and alerts, straightforward integrations with other security platforms, reporting solutions and a way to guarantee regulatory compliance.
6. Update Firmware
Outdated firmware makes your router vulnerable to attacks and exploitation. You can tell if you need an update if there are network performance issues, missing protective measures or compatibility problems with new devices. You may also be unable to configure specific settings found in newer firmware software.
If you’re still unsure whether you’re using the most current security software, locate the firmware details in your router’s web interface and identify which version is in use. The manufacturer’s website will also tell you which update is available.
Defend Your Systems From Cyberattack Takedowns
Properly maintaining and protecting your router is essential to ward off cyberattacks. As hackers launch increasingly complex assaults on networks, you must be proactive and safeguard all information. Understanding the most common router-based threats is essential to creating a mitigation plan. However, no measure is as powerful and effective as a cautious and guarded network use.
