Is Your Router Secure? Try These 3 Quick Tests

 

 

Your router is the gateway between your home or office network and the internet. If it’s compromised, everything connected to it — from phones and laptops to smart devices — could be at risk.

 

Yet, router security is one of the most overlooked areas in personal and small business cybersecurity.

 

 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cybersecurity enthusiast, here are 3 fast, effective tests you can run right now to assess your router’s security — no advanced tools required.

 

 

1. Check for Default Credentials

Why it matters:
Many routers come with factory-set usernames and passwords like admin/admin or admin/password. Attackers know this, and there are massive lists of default credentials circulating online. If you haven't changed yours, you're a sitting duck.

 

 

How to test:

 

Visit your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in a browser.

Try logging in using the default credentials for your model (you can find them with a quick search).

If it works — it’s time to change them.

 

 

What to do:

 

Change the admin username and password to something strong and unique.

Avoid using the same password you use for anything else.

 

 

2. Scan for Open Ports

 

 

Why it matters:


Routers sometimes expose services like remote management or file sharing to the internet without you realizing it. These open ports can be exploited by attackers if they’re not secured or needed.

 

How to test:

 

Visit a free tool like ShieldsUP or Ping.eu Port Check.

Run a scan to see which ports on your public IP are open to the world.

What to do:

Disable remote management, UPnP, or Telnet/FTP access unless you know you need it.

Use your router’s interface to close unnecessary ports.

Consider enabling a basic firewall if your router supports it.

 

 

3. Look for Firmware Updates

 

Why it matters:


Just like your phone or computer, routers need updates. Manufacturers often release firmware patches to fix vulnerabilities — but they usually aren’t automatic.

 

How to test:

 

Log into your router’s admin panel.

Look for a section like Firmware Update, System, or Maintenance.

Check if an update is available or see when it last checked.

 

What to do:

 

Apply updates manually if automatic updates aren’t enabled.

Set a reminder to check every few months.

If your router is very old and no longer receives updates, consider replacing it.

 

 

Bonus Tip: Rename Your Wi-Fi Network

 

Using a generic network name like “NETGEAR123” or “TalkTalk WiFi” gives away the make/model of your router — valuable info for attackers. Rename your SSID to something unique (but not personally identifiable), and consider hiding it if you're in a high-traffic area.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Securing your router doesn’t require deep technical knowledge — just a bit of time and awareness. These three tests are simple, fast, and can dramatically reduce your exposure to common threats.

 

Taking a few minutes to lock down your router could save you from far more serious problems down the line.

 

 

Want to take things a step further? Stay tuned to the Hack n Back Tech blog for hands-on guides, wireless auditing tips, and the latest in personal cybersecurity tools.