If you’ve paid attention to the news, you’ve heard about the suggestions of the FBI and the US Department of Justice. Reset your home wireless routers for security reasons. The warning came after a detailed Talos Intelligence report about a type of malware called VPNFilter, which infects network routers. Since this malware is relatively new – and the average home router does not have many malware detection/prevention software – it is a cause for concern. The good thing is that you do not need a master’s degree in computing to know how to reset a router, and here we will explain it to you.
According to Talos, this includes multiple Linksys, Mikrotik, Netgear, QNAP, and TP-Link routers (and related network devices of these brands). With so many brands affected, it is not surprising that the FBI has cut so well and simply asked everyone to reset their routers. If you have not already done so, here is a practical guide on how to reset a router.
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How to Reset a Router?
Step 1: Physically unplug your router and modem
While your router may have an option built – called “reset”, you must be careful when using them, because they can give rise to a factory reset and erase all your current settings. Instead, simply unplug your router and modem from everything that they are connected to, including the cables to each other and their power supplies.
Once unplugged, leave the router only for about a minute, just to make sure that it turns off completely and that all your devices record that the Wi-Fi network is really idle.
Now, reconnect the modem to its power source. Wait a moment for the modem to warm up and wait for an Internet connection. Now, plug the router back into the modem, to the power outlet, and any other necessary connections. Wait a couple of minutes for the router to link to all devices, and the wireless Internet signal is restored again.
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Step 2: Update your firmware
Firmware is the integral software that keeps your router running. While the router’s firmware is not updated as often as a computer’s operating systems, it does receive occasional updates, especially when there is a big security problem. The next step is to download any new router firmware so that your router’s vulnerability – if it is pending – is repaired. For this, you will need the login information of your router.
Normally, there is an application or an administrator site that you can use to verify the firmware and then download it. Here we show you how to access the Linksys configuration. Also, how to do it with TP-Link and Netgear. Each router brand, even the most unknown, must have its own instructions to access these administrator tools. One of the options, when you log in, will be “Firmware Update,” “Router Update,” or another similar option. Choose this option and follow the instructions.
Note that when the router loads and implements the firmware setting, you cannot use your Wi-Fi. This does not usually take more than five minutes, but it is still good to keep it in mind. Never try to shut down or do something with your router while the firmware is being updated, as this could cause serious problems.
Step 3: Update any related application
Many modern routers offer applications that you can download to mobile devices and use them to manage your router’s configuration, as well as view router usage reports.
If you use one of these applications, you should also visit the configuration of this one and make sure that it is completely updated in its most recent version. It is a small step, but very important.
Step 4: Change your password
Do you still use the default password for your router configuration? As you have just logged in to the administrator controls, it is ideal for taking advantage and changing it at a good time. Many of us keep the default password set, and unfortunately, this makes it much easier to hack a router.
Now you have the reason and the perfect opportunity to change the default password for a solid password and your own creation. The same administrator tools that helped you update your firmware can also help you change your password. Look for the option to change the password or login information. Since you don’t use this password often, be sure to write it down in a safe place while changing it.
And that’s it! Your router is now updated and is more secure. As you can see, it was very easy and fast to do so.
