Your wireless router transmits a signal through the air and may be detected hundreds of feet away. By default, anybody nearby can use your network. It is highly recommended that you take some simple safety steps such as encrypting and also limiting access to your wireless network.
Encrypting the information that is transmitted through the air is the best way to protect communications from eavesdroppers. The two main types of encryption are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA2 is the best choice but many older routers do not have this option. If your router doesn't have WPA2, you should upgrade.
To limit access to your router it is recommended that you use a strong password that isn't freely shared or used anywhere else.
This guide will walk you through the process of protecting your wireless network.
2. Netgear
The bottom of the router has a label with the default access site and credentials.
Using a computer that is connected to the Netgear router, open a web browser (such as Safari, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer).
Navigate to http://www.routerlogin.net
If the above does not work, try:
http://www.routerlogin.com
http://192.168.1.1
http://192.168.0.1
Enter the router username and password. The default credentials are typically:
Username: admin
Password: password
3. Picking a Strong Password
Wherever possible, you should pick a password that is impossible to guess and is also resistant to brute-force attacks. Note that some devices or systems do not allow special characters or they may have their own requirements.
Best practices for picking a strong password:
Passwords should be around 8 to 12 characters, but can be longer.
Avoid using words that are in the dictionary.
DO NOT use information that is easy to guess or phish for such as:
Important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Names of pets, friends, family, locations, etc.
Add some complexity to your password by adding at least:
1 Capital letter
1 Small letter
1 Symbol
1 Number
Try replacing letters with symbols, for example:
"Abc?123!" is easier to guess than "@B(?123!"
"Password!?" is easier to guess than "P@$$w0rd!?".
4. Change Network Password
Select Wireless. For an older router, the option may be called Wireless Settings.
If you wish, you may change your network name (SSID) at this time. This is the user-friendly name that will appear when you search for wireless networks in the area.
Under Security Options, select WPA2-PSK[AES].
Type in your chosen password into the Password field.
Take note of your network name (SSID) and password as you will need them to connect your devices to your Wi-Fi network.
Select Apply to save the new settings.
Your wireless security settings have now been updated.
Any time you change your wireless security settings you will need to reconnect your wireless devices.
If your router is dual-band, meaning it has a 2.4 and a 5 GHz network you may need to repeat the steps listed above for each network because each network may be controlled individually. You must use different network names for each band.
If your router has a guest network you will need to repeat the steps listed above for the guest network because it is controlled separately.
5. Keeping Your Password Secure
Some precautions should be taken in order to keep your password secure.
Best practices:
Do not use a master password that you use everywhere (such as email, work, school, home, network)
If possible, do not share your password with anybody.
Passwords that are shared with others, like for a home network, should only be shared if necessary.
Be aware when typing your password in public, or that in no way anyone is watching.
Some types of electronic devices like computers and smartphones can remember passwords, so beware of devices that are not yours.
Make a schedule of when to change your password. For example, every 180 days.
It is not recommended to write down passwords. But if you have to, make sure that it is neither physically nor visually accessible by others.
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