Many of us give little thought to our routers, however, if you are reading this online, you have a router.  A router is a networking device that is used to transfer data between your computer and other devices you may have that are a part of the Internet of Things and the Internet.  Unfortunately,  unless proper security precautions are taken, your router can put you in danger of being hacked, becoming a victim of identity theft or having your computer taken over in a botnet and used by cybercriminals to spread malware. If your router is compromised, the security of all of your devices that use the router is in jeopardy.
In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against D-Link Corporation alleging it had failed to take reasonable steps to protect the security of its routers and IP cameras thereby putting its customers in extreme danger of being hacked. Among the flaws exposed by the FTC were hardcoded login credentials in the D-Link software of the username and password “guest” that could enable a hacker easy access to the webcam’s live feed.  The FTC also noted a software flaw called “command injection” that would allow a hacker to take control of the consumers’s router by sending unauthorized commands over the Internet.
The good news is that companies that make routers are constantly developing router security updates. The bad news is that for the most part the companies that produce routers don’t automatically send you those updates. You need to look for them and download them yourself. In order to do so you need to use your browser to log into your router using its IP address. Experts advise that you check for updates about every 90 days. Here are links with information for updating popular routers:
Apple https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201519
Asus https://www.asus.com/microsite/2014/networks/routerfirmware_update/
D-Link http://support.dlink.com/
Linksys https://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=135561
Netgear https://kb.netgear.com/23442/How-do-I-update-my-NETGEAR-router-firmware-using-the-Check-button-in-the-router-s-web-interface
If this seems like a lot of work (and it does to me), you may wish to consider getting a router that does automatically download updates. Among the routers that work automatically to download necessary updates is the highly rated Linksys AC2600. Since 2017 Netgear routers provide automatic updating.
TIPS
Regardless of whether you have a D-Link router or webcam or some other brand, it is important to secure your router and webcam.  Always do your homework and research routers before you purchase one to make sure you are getting one that provides greater security and consider getting one that provides automatic updating.  Also, upon installing your router, immediately change the default password to a strong, secure password. Finally, if you do not use a router that automatically updates, download the latest security updates to your router whenever they become available and check the manufacturer’s website regularly to find the latest security patches and updates.
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