Change the default password!

According to CERT/CC at Carnegie Mellon University, 80% of security incidents are caused by weak passwords. Extensive lists of default passwords are available online for most routers, and you can be sure that someone, somewhere knows your birthday. SecurityStats.com maintains a thorough do/don't list for passwords, as well as a password strength test.

Fortifying router security

 Introduction
 Step 1: Change the default password!
 Step 2: Disable IP directed broadcasts
 Step 3: Disable HTTP configuration for the router, if possible
 Step 4: Block ICMP ping requests
 Step 5: Disable IP source routing
 Step 6: Determine your packet filtering needs
 Step 7: Establish Ingress and Egress address filtering policies
 Step 8: Maintain physical security of the router
 Step 9: Take the time to review the security logs

About the author
Chris Cox is a network administrator for the United States Army, based in Fort Irwin, California.

This tip originally appeared on SearchNetworking.com.