It is important to take into account the information that a router may have been collecting from users when throwing it away or returning it to the operator. This is because old routers could be used by cybercriminals to collect the personal data of their previous owners or operators. While current operators require the return of the router, there was a time when it was not mandatory, and many people would simply throw it away or keep it for other uses. This not only applies to home users, but also affects companies that dispose of thousands of devices every year.
According to security experts, cybercriminals can use unformatted data on old routers to steal confidential information or even learn personal data from their previous owners. This is a concerning fact as hardly anyone bothers to restore this type of device before throwing it away, as discovered in a recent study. It is important to note that even if the router is returned to the operator, there is still a risk if the data has not been properly wiped clean.
To avoid this risk, users should take precautions when disposing of old routers. This can include performing a factory reset, which wipes all data from the router, or physically destroying the device. If returning the router to the operator, users should confirm that the data has been wiped clean before doing so. Taking these precautions can help protect against cybercriminals looking to steal personal data and sensitive information.
What data routers collect
To avoid the risk of exposing personal data to unauthorized third parties, it is important to take proper precautions when disposing of a router. Firstly, it is recommended to perform a factory reset on the device, which will erase all the data stored on it. This can usually be done by pressing a button on the router or accessing its settings menu. It is also important to change the default login credentials to prevent unauthorized access to the router in the first place.
Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that this problem doesn’t just affect individuals, but also businesses and organizations. Companies that dispose of a large number of routers should have a clear protocol in place to ensure that sensitive data is properly erased before the device is discarded. In addition, businesses can also benefit from using more secure routers that come with built-in features like VPN, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems to further protect against cyber threats.
The study has revealed some alarming results about the security of routers. Among other things, it found that a large number of discarded routers contain sensitive information that could be accessed by cybercriminals. For instance, 22% of the routers analyzed had customer data, 33% had information that could allow third-party access to the network, and 44% contained credentials for connecting to other mesh networks. In addition, almost 90% of the routers studied contained access to various applications and security keys. Most worryingly, all of the devices had IPsec or VPN credentials or encrypted root passwords.
To prevent unauthorized access to personal data, it is essential to take appropriate security measures before discarding a router. Users should be careful to eliminate all information or access that could potentially compromise their security. When replacing or disposing of a router, formatting it thoroughly is the best option. By doing so, users can ensure that all sensitive information is completely erased and that there is no possibility of it falling into the wrong hands.