It’s true. There are a lot of people who fail to change the default password when it comes to protecting a network. This actually happens quite frequently after some kind of wireless Internet setup is performed: the cable modem and router are hooked up and the technician informs the user of the password. However, users fail to change the password – which is certainly not a good thing.
Stories like this allow many people to steal their neighbor’s internet connection. Networks that use the default password – or worse yet, networks that are not password-protected – are often to blame for allowing access to unwanted guests. Hackers can even lock users out of their own system. At any rate, users need to password-protect their network, and do it well.
While no specific instructions can be given here due to space, you should be able to easily find where you can change your password. Check your internet settings and change your password to something unique, something so cryptic that only you (and loved ones, of course) can get. A combination of upper and lower case letters, and numbers, is a great start. Stay away from simple words and phrases (don’t use “password” or “iloveyou” despite the sentiment).
Although you shouldn’t become too worried, it is also a good idea to change your password every once in a while. This is actually a great tip for all your passwords, so you may want to apply it to your network/Internet access.
Overall, your Internet connection should be password-protected with more advanced methods than a default password. This will keep unwanted lurkers off of your connection, in order to save your bandwidth. Take the time to assess your network so that you don’t run into these types of problems. Write down your advanced password and change it every once in a while to stay protected.
