Do Routers Store Data? Control Your Router Search Privacy
Summary: This 3-minute article explains how to clear router history and control your router privacy. Also, learn how Contact the IT experts at GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss router privacy and the importance of maintaining robust, network-wide cyber security.
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 don’t 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 for the average user to understand. Considering all of the data transmitted and received to and from your devices passes through your network’s router, consumers should pay more attention to understanding what’s stored and how to clear it. Do routers track website visits? Maybe, maybe not. But at the very least, they store IP and DNS information and other device-identifying data.
Is Data Collected by Your Router 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. The bigger problem is that there’s 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 to clear your router search history:
- Open Your Internet Browser – Open whatever browser you prefer
- Enter Your IP address – Once you’ve 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 doesn’t 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 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.
Network Cyber Security Experts To The Rescue
SMBs and anyone with a robust network would be wise to enlist the assistance of IT consulting services to help make informed and cost-conscious decisions about your routers and other devices related to your computer system. IT professionals can ensure your system has strong network security from the start. In addition, IT experts can help you define all of your computer-system priorities to serve all your business and personal IT needs. Furthermore, they can ensure your network operates at maximum speed and functionality. Finally, onsite IT support can help keep your entire network up and running as securely and efficiently as possible when required in New York City.
GEEK-AID® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized computer network installation, integration, upgrades, maintenance and repair for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID®'s team of IT experts comprises top specialists in different IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices in all five boroughs of New York City. More importantly, when your business network goes down, they will perform onsite computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. IT support is not just for emergencies. In addition to integrating your system operations and maintaining hardware, software and security, training for your or your employees must also be ongoing. New users and devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are interrelated concerns. They must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your company, minimizing costly and time-consuming IT-related mistakes.
Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss the best routers available for your computer system and all of the best IT solutions for your home or SMB.