UK homes are being urged to check their Wi-Fi routers and ensure they are up to date. Just like all technology, once devices start to age, software can become outdated and vital upgrades no longer available. When routers become obsolete, and updates stop, they are more at risk of cyber attacks and worrying malware.

“Older routers with outdated firmware can be risky because they may not receive the latest updates which can leave Wi-Fi open to hackers who will then be able to access personal and sensitive information,” the team at TelephoneSystems.Cloud confirmed.

Along with allowing hackers to easily install dangerous cyber bugs, older routers can also cause other issues, such as slow speeds, compatibility issues with new devices, limited coverage around homes, and not being able to cope with the endless connected devices we now have in our homes.

It’s pretty easy to check how old your router is.

All you need to do is find the model number, which will be printed on the rear of the device, and then use a web search to see when it was released.

If it’s well over five years old, then it’s definitely time to consider buying something new, such as a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7-ready device.

Not only will these newer routers keep your data safe, but they will also make sure your internet keeps up to speed.

“The quality of your Wi-Fi router is incredibly important and unfortunately older ones are often slower, less secure and struggle to keep up with modern devices,” said Juliet Moran, tech expert from TelephoneSystems.Cloud.

“The reason older routers are more of a security risk is because they eventually stop receiving firmware updates which means bugs don’t get fixed, leaving your network open to hackers.

“As a rule of thumb you’ll want to change your router around every five years or so but there are a few ways to check if yours is outdated. Slower internet speeds and difficulty connecting to new devices are both tell-tale signs the router could need changing.

“You can also access firmware updates by logging into your router’s admin page, if the manufacturer hasn’t released an update in years then your Wi-Fi may not be secure.”

If your router is supplied by your Internet Service Provider, it’s worth giving them a call to see if any updates are available.

A number of ISPs, including Virgin, EE and Sky, are now offering much-improved routers, including models with Wi-Fi 7 technology inside.

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