Router components may contain serious flaws. Most routers have a firmware component called webproc.cgi that allows remote hackers to extract sensitive configuration data, including administrative credentials. This particular flaw isn’t new and has been reported by multiple researchers since 2011. In every TSCM investigation and bug sweep that we’ve preformed we have always found vulnerabilities through the routers that were not secure enough and could have been compromised by someone outside of their home. One of your greatest vulnerabilities is your home router.
The Wall Street Journal commissioned a study of the top 20 routers purchased in 2015. There were a myriad of security problems too frightening to list. But there are three basic things you can do to improve your security.
- Keep your router updated by using the latest model.
- Protect your router with a user name and password — do not trust default settings. Three Wi-Fi password levels exist: Open – no password; WEP; and WPA2. Select WPA or WPA2 security encryption. Never use OPEN!!! Don’t be foolish — anyone can connect, even the kid riding his bike outside. Do not use WEP. It might sound secure, but it has encryption errors that can be easily hacked. It takes only minutes for someone to crack passwords in a WEP encryption.
- Set up Wi-Fi through your browser so it’s only accessible from your side of the network. Do this by plugging into the local area network (LAN) through an Ethernet cable or connecting through the Wi-Fi network itself. Look for the option “remote administration,” “remote management,” or “setup via WAN” – however it may be worded – and set it to OFF. Otherwise, your Internet configuration will be open to intruders who may mess with your settings.
How to get Better Security
Hire a professional if you want a thorough security analysis done. Call Michael Guadagno & Associates. We will make sure you’re well protected against the risk of invasive eavesdropping by configuring your system to prevent hackers from accessing your data, setting the appropriate privacy and security settings, and securing your home or office by conducting a professional bug sweep.
Michael Guadagno & Associates can help you.
We are an elite team of experts within the Technical Surveillance Countermeasures [TSCM] Profession. Our background, continuous educational studies and use of the latest technical equipment specifically designed for Network and Wi-Fi Analyzing, place us at the top 2% in the nation.
Please contact us at our secure web page on this site or by phone at:
Priority (716) 830.6757 or Office (919) 363.6321
