An average UK home now runs 12 connected devices on its network, yet most owners fail to monitor who or what connects to their router, raising exposure that brokers can address directly with clients.
Broadband Genie’s 2025 router security survey, which polled 3,242 users, found that 69% of respondents have not checked to see who is using their network. Only 31% review connected devices, despite the average household operating 12 internet-enabled products.
Brokers should encourage clients to log into their router dashboard, review the list of connected devices and remove any they do not recognise. Regular checks can help identify unauthorised access.
The survey reports that 47% have never adjusted any router factory settings. In addition, 81% have not changed the router administrator password. A further 69% have never changed their Wi-Fi password, and 85% have never changed their network name.
While there has been a 5% improvement from 2024 in some areas, default credentials remain widely used.
It is illegal to sell connected devices with weak passwords in the UK, yet router manufacturers use specific usernames and passwords that are widely known.
Advise clients to change the router administrator password and Wi-Fi password, and to update the network name so it does not identify the router manufacturer.
Broadband Genie found that 84% have never updated their router firmware, though 5% more users are doing so in 2025 compared with the previous year.
Firmware updates address software vulnerabilities and operational issues. Not all routers update automatically.
Brokers should suggest clients confirm whether their router updates automatically and, if not, check the firmware version against the manufacturer’s latest release. Encourage enabling WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) encryption where supported.
The research indicates that 73% of respondents do not know why they would need to adjust their router settings, while 79% say they know how to make changes.
“While it’s encouraging to see more people accessing their router settings, far more needs to be done to help them make essential changes. Providers and manufacturers can educate customers and need to make it easier for the average user to secure their home networks,” said Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie.
“We encourage everyone to take just five minutes to log into their router, update their login details, and change default passwords,” Tofts added.
Everywhen has produced a step-by-step guide for protecting home Wi-Fi networks. Brokers can circulate the following checklist to clients:
A spokesperson for Everywhen said: “Home Wi-Fi networks are something we all take for granted but do we do enough to protect them from hackers? Once they are into a home Wi-Fi network, they can spy on homeowners steal login details and personal data, and upload malware.”
The survey findings and insurer guidance offer structured, practical advice that can be incorporated into client communications, linking device density and router configuration to household cyber risk.
