Monday Tips with Elizabeth

Elizabeth Caldwell

Monday Tips provides our listeners with tips to improve their quality of life and those of their families.

  1. May 31

    Protect YOUR Router

    MONDAY TIPS — “How to Protect Yourself on Today’s Routers” (FBI‑based guidance, written in your broadcast voice) It has come to my attention that the FBI has issued new guidance on router security. Many Americans are using older or unpatched routers — and these devices are now being targeted by cybercriminals. The FBI reports that thousands of home and small‑business routers have already been compromised. Today’s Monday Tips will help you protect yourself, whether you’re at home, traveling, or using public Wi‑Fi. Tip 1 — Keep Your Devices Updated Every phone, tablet, and laptop you own needs regular updates. Updates patch security holes that criminals actively exploit. Check for updates weekly Restart your devices regularly Tip 2 — Replace Old Routers If your router is more than 5–7 years old, or no longer receives firmware updates, the FBI recommends replacing it. Look up whether your router is still supported If it’s end‑of‑life, it cannot be secured Tip 3 — Change the Default Password Most routers come with a factory password like “admin” or “password.” Criminals know these. Create a strong admin password Disable remote management Tip 4 — Reboot Your Router Regularly The FBI specifically recommends rebooting routers to disrupt malware. Reboot once a week Unplug for 10 seconds Tip 5 — Be Careful on Hotel and Public Wi‑Fi This is where Vigo — and anyone who travels — is most exposed. Use a VPN on all public networks Turn off auto‑connect Avoid banking on hotel Wi‑Fi Hotels rarely update their routers. Airports almost never do. Public Wi‑Fi is convenient — but it is not safe. In today’s world, router security is part of everyday safety. A few small steps can protect your information, your identity, and your peace of mind. This has been Monday Tips — keeping you informed, prepared, and one step ahead.”

    10 min

About

Monday Tips provides our listeners with tips to improve their quality of life and those of their families.