Is my router, camera or storage box too old?
Old equipment that no longer gets security fixes is a common reason for an open door. Here is how to tell, and what to look for in a new one.
The short answer
If the maker no longer sends updates for a device, it will not get safer, and any new weakness stays open. That is when replacing it is the real fix. Many makers stop updating a model after a few years.
How to find out
- Find the model number on the label (on a router, the bottom or back; on a camera, the back or base).
- Search the web for the model number plus "firmware update" or "end of life". The maker's own support page will say whether it is still supported.
- Look at the date of the newest update. If the last one was years ago, the maker has probably moved on.
- For a router, also check the Wi-Fi label. A router that only says Wi-Fi 4 or 802.11n is old. Wi-Fi 6 or newer is current.
- If you cannot tell, ask your internet company, or someone you trust.
What to look for in a new one
- Router: a current Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6 or newer), automatic updates switched on by default, and a maker that says how long it will support the model.
- Camera or recorder: a maker that still sends updates, a phone app that connects safely without you opening a door in your router, and a strong-password sign-in.
- Storage box (NAS): regular updates and a built-in secure remote-access service, so you never need to open a door in your router.
Before you get rid of the old one
Reset it to factory settings first. That erases your Wi-Fi name, password and any saved sign-ins. Then recycle it, or hand it back to your internet company if it was theirs.
A reminder
You do not have to buy anything to close a door. Most warnings are fixed by turning a setting off. Replace equipment only if it no longer gets updates, or you cannot turn the setting off.
Not comfortable doing this? That is okay.
You do not have to do this alone. You can ask a family member, call your internet company, or take your router to a local computer repair shop. Take your time and ask for help instead of guessing.
Want a professional to look at it? Frequency 42 is the company that makes Network Check, and it offers IT help. You can email support@frequency42.com and ask whether they can help with this.
If something is old, replacing it may be the real fix
Routers and Wi-Fi
Routers often get security updates for only a few years. If yours no longer gets them, or you cannot turn off the setting above, a newer one is the safer choice. Look for a current Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6 or newer), automatic updates turned on by default, and a maker that says how long it will support the model. Your internet provider may also swap its own modem for free, so ask them first.
Security cameras and video recorders
Cameras and recorders that no longer get updates, or that only work if you open a door in your router, are a common weak spot. If yours is old, look for a maker that still sends updates, a phone app that connects safely without opening a door in your router, and a sign-in that asks for a strong password.
Network storage boxes (NAS)
A storage box that is reachable from the internet should be kept updated. If the maker has stopped updating yours, a newer one with regular updates and its own secure remote-access service is the safer choice.
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