Abstract

Five out of every six home router devices are inadequately updated, leaving sensitive data and connected devices unprotected from known vulnerabilities. The American Consumer Institute Center for Citizen Research released this information after the FBI sent out a warning in the 2018, stating hackers from Russia had successfully compromised hundreds of thousands of routers and were collecting user information. Users treat routers as plug and play devices where, once installed, they are left sitting with no further configurations made. However, blame does not fall solely on the user. ISPs and manufacturers fail to educate their customers of the proper steps to take after installation. NetLock was created with the user in mind, to act as a guide and walkthrough after router installation. Once connected to the router and opened via desktop application, NetLock will assist the user with proper setting configuration while providing network security best practices throughout the setup.