WAYS TO IDENTIFY WHETHER ROUTER IS VULNERABLE OR NOT

WAYS TO IDENTIFY WHETHER ROUTER IS VULNERABLE OR NOT

Nowadays, more and better protective measures should be taken to improve cybersecurity. Some ways to enhance cyber-security are by informing the end-users about the upcoming threats, how they can avoid that particular threat, and how to implement the technology about security and always be updated.

Threats are being continuously evolved, and almost daily new vulnerabilities are identified. Every user must be updated with the security tools because they deal with the protection measures for the vectors which can attack.

Security is the most important aspect because it considers and protects all the elements for the possible attacks and can become gateways for them, whether we are speaking about work, school, or home environment. Our address 192.198.1.7 dives into detail about the quality of routers available in the market.  In this article, we will find how we can configure whether the router is vulnerable or not the one we are using at home.

Following are the ways by which we can find this:

1. Authentication & Router conductivity test 

It should be conducted on time. Routers give us permission to administer and configure using some ports in the local network. And this can be done using Ethernet cables. Routers can be configured by the web and other services & ports like FTP, SSH, HTTP, etc.

Even some services can be enabled when we have to use it, disable all others, and block the unused ports.

Also, the users are advised to use long and complex passwords to reduce the risk of hacking. It is very much important to review the configuration of service and ports.

•  Strong Password- 

In order to protect any kind of information, the initial stage is to lock it with any sort of password. A strong password is any combination of letters and numbers with special characters and capital letters. For example, a Password like UnLock@9876! is more powerful than a password like unlock9876. 

• Multi-Factor Authentication- 

It is an authentication method through which one or more people can get access to the protected website or application only after filling in the correct evidence. Some examples of this type are unique codes from the original user, captchas filling, One-time OTP, etc. 

• Biometric Authentication- 

This process involves using a specific part of the physical body of the person. This type of authentication is used in very private, highly official, scientific research and top-secret agencies to protect their data. Some examples are Fingerprint, Iris Scan, Retina Scan, Heartbeat Analyzer, and many more. 

2. Security Protocol

It is important to check the router at a time from any online threats. The hackers target the less secure devices. Choosing the best available security protocol for your router helps in minimizing the damage that can be caused if the router is left without any security measures. It becomes complex for hackers to hack the machines with more security.

• Use Firewalls and Security Software- 

Security software is usually known as antivirus. It protects our computers and applications from unwanted programs. A firewall is something that helps to distance the system from attackers and external threats in the first place. These viruses can come through Pen drives, CDs, files, and also through the internet.

3. Verify connected devices in the network

One of the most important reasons during the setting up of the router is identifying the devices connected to the router. Sometimes, one of the other devices uses vulnerable protocols,

because of which the untrusted devices are also connected. 

It is, therefore, a good idea to configure the devices which are connected to the router. Whether the verification is done manually or through automated tools, the next step consists of permitting allowed devices only by using filters to restrict access to specific IP addresses.

For an easy-to-access list of connected devices, a tool known as the connected home monitor tool provides us an easy way to identify the devices connected to the router, categorized by the device type. By this, the changes can be done by yourself at the router interface.

• Ping Test

This is the easiest thing a person does to check its connectivity. This test determines the normal frequency of a network. This is also used for checking troubleshooting to know connectivity as well as the response time. 

• Using Data Cable

The problem of disconnectivity is very common in a wireless connection, so you can use cable connectivity. Put one end in your Wi-Fi and the other end in your computer. Soon the threatening option appears on your desktop. 

4. Test your Antivirus strength

Antivirus is software that secures our router from any malicious happening. It ensures that nothing malicious slips into our device. There are ways in which you can safely and securely check the strength of your antivirus software. There are various files and tools which scan the virus and help our router to be vulnerable-free.

5. All devices on the home network should be updated.

We all might have heard about the vulnerability known as KRACK, which works against the modern protected Wi-Fi networks. Depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to manipulate and inject data. For example, if all the home networks are not updated, the attacker might inject ransomware or other malware into websites.

The attacker gets an advantage of this vulnerability; the only thing the attacker has to do is be near the victim’s Wi-Fi network. All the connected devices like computers, smartphones, or tablets should be updated, and all the updates should be installed on time.

Even configuring computers for the public network can increase the security level.

6. Third-Party Usage

One of the most common activities nowadays is third-party usage, but one should know that this application uses personal information, which could leak data without our permission.

7. Vulnerability test should be performed on the router

Some of the router tests which should be performed are scanning for port vulnerabilities, malicious DNS server reputation, default or easy-to-easy crack passwords, vulnerable firmware, and others.

Some tools can also be used to identify vulnerabilities. The tools used for this purpose include information, options, suggestions, and how to solve and fix these problems. Some attackers use tools to identify the vulnerabilities in our router, so we can even use that tools so that the router shouldn’t be low-hanging fruit.

8. Enable Security Options

One of the safest and desirable practices is to enable the security options in the router, which depends on the type of router. These options are designed to increase more security for your device.

• Change the default SSID-

The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the unique name of any wireless connection. Using a common SSID can increase the hacking possibilities of your WPA2 encryption. It simply shows the unseen Hack Me sign to an unauthenticated network. 

• Change the default Administrator Password and Username-

Whenever we connect our initial network, like the first installment after purchasing, the default Username and Password must be changed. The company or the shop gave these initials. To keep your private document safe, it is most necessary to save your connected networks. An intruder can peep into your computer through your network. 

Conclusion

Users always need to secure the router from malicious activities. For this, all the ways mentioned above should be followed. One should be aware of the functions taking place in the router because the router is the main hub for the attackers to attack the device. In this active environment, threats are increasing daily, which should be kept in mind, and the important points should be kept in mind. Cyber-security should be kept up to date. Incidence response is a quick overview of testing vulnerability and assessing the risk with a strategic plan and structure.

Once inside the system, the spyware will accumulate all possible information about you and transfer it to the attacker. An attacker can inject malicious code in word, doc, image, or any other. Once the attacker has comprised the file, they might distribute it via mail, websites, social media, etc.