Always change the default password of network devices
Short Tips
- +Default Passwords?
- Every device asks for them. This is the manufacturer’s first attempt to not make your device accessible to just anyone. But be aware that these manufacturers often only have one default password. This means that anyone who has ever bought this product, certainly knows this password.
You will also often find these passwords on the online help pages of the product. This is done with good intentions, but it does not really contribute to the safety expected from the device.
- +Complex passwords?
- Yes, this also applies to these devices (WiFi router, baby monitor, home surveillance system …), maybe even more so than to your computer. The passwords of these devices will be changed less often than those of your computer or email account.
In addition, most of these devices are accessible, and therefore visible, via WiFi or Bluetooth, for both you and other people. Moreover, once connected, you often no longer need to enter a password. So, even though the password is complex, using default passwords will present more risks.
- +Do I have to change this password as well?
- This is not always easy, but recommended. Just think about that smartphone connected to your WiFi at home, which you are now getting rid of. It rarely or never disconnects, making the data on this smartphone available to others.
As soon as you get rid of your devices, or you give your password to friends, it is recommended to reset the password and reconnect the devices. This takes up a bit of time, but if you’re not willing to put in the time you best make sure nobody else knows this password.
- +PaSMaN Tips?
- Change the password. Default means everyone knows it.
- Make it difficult. Check out our other tips on how to do this.
- Change the password if you’ve given it to someone, or if you suspect others know it.
How to's
Always change the default password of network devices
Surveillance cameras are an affordable means to monitor your house when you are not there. You receive an email or message if there is movement around your house and you can watch the footage from anywhere.
Devices; such as surveillance cameras, WiFi routers, smart TVs, smart thermostats and fridges (and all other devices connected to “The Internet of Things”); have a standard manufacturing configuration so they can be installed and used immediately. The access to the device typically is password-protected upon receipt, but people often do not change the password when using the device for the first time. In case of a surveillance camera, anyone who knows the password, could thus look at the footage and see whether someone is at home and what you are doing. And that is not all: the configuration pages of these devices are accessible, which means the settings can be modified. This way, it is even possible to include your device in an online network (zombie botnet) to be used in massive cyberattacks.
To prevent these situations, it is thus important that you change the default password to a strong password. Ideally, you make a habit of changing the password immediately when connecting a new device to your home network.
