Then, think of all of the personal information and data that you have on many of these devices, such as account information, banking information, and other personal data. If your router isn’t properly protected, a hacker can easily gain access to all of this information and use it for malicious purposes. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your Wi-Fi router is secure. This can be accomplished through the following safe practices and regularly checking the security of your network. Click here to use DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check to check your DNS and network security:

Recent reports have indicated that about 80% of home Wi-Fi routers are insecure. There are a few reasons that these routers are more susceptible to hacking. These include poor passwords, outdated models, lax consumer attitudes towards tech security, and manufacturers neglecting security concerns.

First of all, Wi-Fi routers aren’t secure by default. They are often made cheaply to be accessible, but that often means that manufacturers neglect the security of their routers. This goes for default passwords, too — few people actually change their password from the default password that comes with the router. This is a dangerous practice, because it makes it much easier for a hacker to guess your password.

Additionally, if people do change the password on their router, they often choose something easy that they can remember — something that can be easily guessed. Many use a password that’s related to their home address, phone number, or name.

Further, routers have changed a lot over the last several years. Many older models are not secure enough to be used today. They may not receive necessary software updates or security patches, which are crucial for any device connected to the Internet. If you have an outdated Wi-Fi router, then it’s time to get an updated model that is more secure. Not sure about the security or age of your model? Look it up online and see how it compares to other models in terms of security.

• Mobile Devices — Hackers can access your phone, tablet, or laptop more easily when you’re jumping on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Keep up on software updates and never install apps from untrustworthy sources.

Read More: What You Need to Know About Acecard Trojan Malware

• Personal computers — Your home computer is a lot less likely to be hacked if you only use your secure home network to access the Internet. Of course, you still have to be vigilant about the sites you visit and the links you click on. Never install something you aren’t sure about, and don’t enter personal information on a non “https” site.​

• Commercial and Governmental Networks and Servers — The most talked-about hacks lately have been those targeting the computer networks of large corporations or government agencies. These hacks are often massive data harvesting operations, like the recent Yahoo! security breach.

• Medical Devices — Yes, even medical devices are potentially at risk to be hacked. Medical devices that are connected to a wireless network are susceptible to infiltration. While no malicious medical device hacks have been attempted so far, the potential is enough to cause industry players to start taking steps to protect connected devices.

• Appliances — So, could hackers get inside your TV, fridge, or toaster? Technically, yes. If you use smart appliances that are connected to the Internet, the potential for hacking exists. Of course, it’s not all that likely that someone is interested in hacking your refrigerator, but we should all be more aware of the devices we use and the vulnerabilities they might have.

Potentially, anything that connects to a wireless network can be hacked. For most people, it’s the mobile devices we carry around with us everyday that are at the highest risk. To ensure that your devices are safe from unwanted visitors, install a comprehensive security app with a high level of anti-virus protection like PSafe Total.