Firmware updates: always fresh!

The first step towards a secure DSL router should be to find the most recent firmware: this often involves not only security gaps, but in many cases also forces the change of default passwords and similar potentially dangerous settings. Firmware updates can in many cases be made directly from the web interface of the router or can be downloaded from the website of the router manufacturer and then transferred via the web interface to the router. You should be suspicious if the latest offered firmware is significantly older than a year. There is then the risk that a device is not maintained by the manufacturer. In this case, switching to an alternative, free router firmware is often the best solution. Updating – or replacing the firmware as a first step will save you a lot of time when the factory settings are reset after firmware update.