Do Routers Store Data? Control Your Router Search Privacy
There are so many moving parts to the hardware, software and network considerations of computer systems that it is inevitable that some issues “slip between the cracks.” Router security is one such consideration. While router manufacturers claim they do not capture the websites you visit, all router companies do collect and share some of your data. Unfortunately, even the most tech-savvy users can be complacent or misinformed regarding router privacy.
Router companies are not very consumer friendly and transparent about their privacy policies and what, if any, data is stored by their routers. Lengthy legalese-packed statements are comprehensive yet complicated to understand. Considering all the data transmitted and received to and from your devices passes through your network’s router, consumers should pay more attention to understanding what is stored and how to clear it. Do routers track website visits? Maybe, or maybe not. But at the very least, they store IP and DNS address location information and other device-identifying data.
Is Router History Data Used and Shared?
The short answer is yes. It is likely that every router company uses its routers to capture some form of data useful for marketing. The company might only use the data it gleans from your router for internal marketing plans and decisions. However, there is no guarantee that they are not sharing some information with third parties, especially if the router company is hacked. The bigger problem is that there is no guarantee that those third parties are not sharing that same data with other parties.
The good news is that there are some simple steps you may take. Here is how to clear router history:
- Open Your Internet Browser – Open whatever browser you prefer
- Enter Your IP address – Once you have opened your browser, type your router’s IP address into the address bar.
- The default IP address for most routers is 192.168.0.1. If it does not work for your router, try 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1.
- Enter the Administrator User Name and Password – You will be logged into the router’s Administrator's Interface.
- Find and Click on the “Status” (or “Advanced”) Tab – this is usually found on the navigation bar.
- Click on “System Log” or Administration Event Log – Located on the navigation bar; this button will take you to the router’s system log page.
- Click on the “Clear Log” Button – You may be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the log. Select “Yes” and your router event log will be cleared.
Opting Out of Router Data Collection
Some router manufacturers allow the user to opt-out of data collection. Upon request, other companies will be transparent and, upon an email request, will show you what data they have and allow the user to delete previously collected data. When researching different router brands, you might consider adding “Can I opt out of data collection?” to your list of questions. Ask your IT technician to assist with router search privacy settings and show you how to clear router history.
Network Cyber Security Reduces Router Risk
For small and midsized businesses (SMBs), router and network privacy has far greater implications than just data collection. Each device connected to a network expands the cyberattack surface area. If network security and software and operating system patching is neglected, the risk of data breaches, malware and network attacks skyrockets.
Cyberattacks can put SMBs out of business or wipe out years of hard work. Network security is not a do-it-yourself activity. SMBs are now a top target of hackers because they collect and store valuable data that can be sold and exploited by criminals. They also lack strong network security, making them easy targets.
Proactive network security costs a small fraction of the cost of one cyberattack, making it a risk not worth taking. The devastation and cost of an attack are ongoing and typically include remediation fees, legal and notification costs and direct financial theft. Your productivity may halt, customers and employees are affected and company reputation suffers during and after a network attack. Imagine having to disclose to clients that your security settings were not adequate and their private data has been stolen by cyber criminals.
Router Privacy and Network Productivity
Small business IT specialist can help balance productivity with security so your employees are not bogged down with cumbersome security processes. Starting with a network assessment, security and workflow can be addressed. The technician can evaluate and prioritize any network security gaps and make suggestions for data storage, updated productivity solutions and more. Layers of network security work best for protection.
Employee Security Awareness Training
Statistics show that over 90% of cyberattacks begin with an employee clicking on a malicious link, inviting viruses and malware in to the network. Teaching employees to use password managers and multi-factor authentication (MFA) will add a strong layer of security to company data and financial account access. Every step you take toward robust security will reduce business risk.
Managed IT Services for SMBs
All these services sound expensive, but managed IT services are affordable when compared with the unpredictability of a break-fix IT model. Designed for small companies without an in-house IT team, outsourced managed IT has a fixed monthly “per-seat” cost and helps ensure smooth network operation and data security. Managed IT services cover setups, repairs, help-desk, consultations, purchasing advice and more. A smoothly running and maintained network reduces the number of service calls, which benefits both parties. Talk to network service providers about managed IT services.
Protecting company and personal data from being shared by routers is one step toward network security. Take steps to protect private data belonging to clients, employees and business owners. It is far less costly to beef up network security (including router privacy) than it is to recover from a cyberattack.