Routers are a key source of data transfer in the home. Computers, laptops, tablets, and phones all use routers to transmit data to websites around the world. This, of course, makes it a valuable target for hackers looking to steal information.
Contents1. Enroll them in botnetsHow to beat it2. Perform unauthorized access and useHow to beat it3. Changing the data that passes How to beat it Router roguesHere are some ways hackers can use home routers for their own use.
Due to the fact that a router is the central data center of the house, they are a prime target for hackers. As such, if they manage to gain access to your router, they may be able to spy or steal the data as they pass. If you have IoT devices or networked hard drives connected to the network, they can access them if you haven't configured the correct passwords.
This one, although it looks scary, is less likely to happen due to the circumstances under which the hacker is gaining access to the router. Ideally, the hacker should be within Wi-Fi range of your router, which means they should be fairly close.
This is not a problem if you live in a rural area; However, if you live in a city or an apartment complex (or both!), you've probably already noticed the range of routers your computer can support from your own home.
If you live in a populated area, properly secure your devices. Many modern routers have moved away from the old standard that the username and password were "admin" by default, but it's worth checking to see if your router's password is up to date. P>
It's also worth checking to see if your router's firmware is up to date. If not, hackers may be able to break into the router without a username and password!
If a hacker does not want to access the router or use it for their own purposes, they can instead have it direct users to fake websites. This is called DNS poisoning or DNS spoofing, and it involves altering a router's DNS cache to send people to the wrong website.
A DNS cache is like a telephone book for the Internet; it stores the name and IP address of all the sites you have previously visited. DNS poisoning works by sneaking into that phone book and replacing an IP address with a fake one. For example, a hacker could modify the Amazon.com entry in the DNS cache to redirect it away from the real Amazon and into a fake website designed to look like the real deal.
When using the internet, keep a close eye on where you enter your details. Typically, websites that request login information use the HTTPS certificate to encrypt your login information. A fake site will not have this layer of protection, which is a telltale sign if the user is paying enough attention. If you find that your router is redirecting you to the wrong site, try changing the router's DNS.
Routers have become a hub for our homes in the modern age, making them prime targets for hackers looking to glean information from victims. Fortunately, there are ways to protect against router-based attacks.
When was the last time you restarted your router? It's been a while ? Let us know below.
