In the autumn, the Security Police in Finland issued a warning that home routers can be exposed to cyber attacks and exploited by foreign spies if they are not protected, which EPN reported on.
At the end of January, the police in Sweden urged the public to report if they are exposed to a cyber attack. During the winter, there have been several examples of cyber attacks. Among other things, against Sophiahemmet and against municipalities and the Riksdag.
Technology expert Evelina Galli says that it is important to protect yourself to avoid attacks.
– Every connected gadget is a potential hacker opportunity.
How to protect your router
One step in cyber security is to change the name, also called SSID, and password on your router to a name that is not connected to where you live.
– This default name can reveal partly where you live but also what model you have on your router, which makes it easier for hackers to get into your network
Today, many people live in smart homes with multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi, such as speakers, robotic lawnmowers and more. It increases the vulnerability to attacks, says Evelina Galli. Then you can create a separate network, called VLAN, where you can connect your various smart devices – guests can also connect there
– Then you keep the basic network more secure.
Another tip from the expert is to check that your router has the latest update, with WPA3 encryption or WPA2 encryption. It is also a good idea to turn off VPS, remote control and UPNP on your router, as well as hide the network so that others cannot connect.
The traps to avoid
Don’t click on strange links from unknown senders is a common tip. But it’s still important, as it can allow hackers to get into the device and access your information.
– You’ve probably saved a lot of passwords, you have a lot of conversations there, you have a lot of credit card information, payment information, it’s any number of things you don’t want to get out.
Connecting to networks in town is also something you should avoid, says Evelina Galli.
– This is a classic way of accessing computers. Creating an open network in a public place that might be called something that sounds public. But really, there is someone who is not so benevolent behind that network.
That’s how you notice you’ve been hacked
It is not always clear when you have been hacked. But it can be noticed in even connected things behaving differently, such as devices turning on and off, or a camera turning on by itself.
– You have to be super sensitive to that, says Evelina Galli.
Checking the manufacturer of the router is also important.
– I would never put a gadget in my home that I knew had a manufacturer that had a history of having leaks, for example.
Tips from the expert – how to protect yourself against hackers
Make sure your Wi-Fi has WPA3
Rename the network so it is called something other than the default name. NOTE: nothing that can be linked to you. Also change the password
When browsing the web, make sure to browse pages with a secure connection (https)
Use a VPN service
Keep the software up to date on your router and everything else connected to your wifi
Double check that you have a network firewall installed
Do not install programs unnecessarily, do not click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders
Turn off WPS and remote control and UPnP
Hide your network
Restrict MAC addresses
Be sure to establish a virtual guest network (VLAN). You can also share that with guests.