Content

• Steps
• Tips

A home wireless network is very convenient, but if you leave it without a strong password, there is a good chance that your computer (and other devices) are exposed to various types of network attacks. Plus, your neighbors can use the internet for which you pay. Setting up a password is easy; by doing this, you will save yourself from possible future headaches. Read on for our tips on how to put a strong password on your wireless network.

Steps

1. 1 Go to the settings of your router. It is best to use the CD that comes with the router, otherwise you can do the same remotely via the Internet. To access the router via a web browser, enter the special address in the input line. Standard addresses for routers are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.2.1.
   • If possible, go to the settings of the router from a computer that is connected to it with a special Ethernet cable. If you connect to the network directly via Wi-Fi, then with any change, the Internet will be disconnected, and you will have to re-enter the router to configure.
   • Many routers use “admin” as the default name and password. Otherwise, try leaving one of the input fields blank and enter "admin" in the other. If this does not work, then refer to the instructions for your router, or contact the manufacturer.
   • If you have previously changed the password for accessing the router and cannot remember it, then hold down the Reset button on your router to return it to the factory settings. Please note that this action will delete all of your settings.
2. 2 Find the security properties of your network. The names differ on many routers, but basically this item is located in the "Wireless Settings", or "Security Settings". If this setting cannot be found, search for the name of your router and look for where the security settings are.
3. 3 Select the type of encryption. Most routers have several options for securing your network. Basically, these are: WEP, WPA-PSK (Personal), or WPA2-PSK. Choose WPA2 whenever possible because it is the strongest type of encryption for wireless networks. This feature may not be available on some older router models.
   • Some older devices do not support WPA2 encryption. Remember this if you have such devices and you are connecting them to the network.
4. 4 For WPA2-Personal, select the AES type. If there is a choice, select AES for WPA2 encryption. TKIP is another option, but it is older and less reliable. Some routers only support the AES algorithm.
   • AES is a symmetric block cipher standard and is the best algorithm available.
5. 5 Enter the SSID and code word. The SSID is the name of the access point, and the passcode is the set of characters you need to enter to connect to your access point.
   • Your password must contain letters, numbers and symbols. The simpler your password, the easier it will be for ill-wishers to guess it, or brute force, as programmers call it. There are password generators on the network that will help you choose the right one for your network.
6. 6 Save the settings and reboot the router. Click “Apply” or “Save” to save the new network security settings. Most routers will start to reboot automatically and all devices connected to it will be disconnected from the network - they will have to re-enter the password.
   • If the router does not reboot automatically, you will have to do it manually. To do this, turn off the router, unplug it and count to ten. Then reconnect the router to the network, turn it on and wait for it to boot up for the first time (it will complete as soon as all the indicators start to light up unchanged).
   • Don't forget to update your network connection on all your devices. To keep your network more secure, change your password approximately every six months.

Tips

• If your router does not support WPA2, then choose regular WPA, but not WEP. WPA2 is by far the most secure type of encryption. If you only have a choice between WPA and WEP, then feel free to choose WPA. WEP encryption is a legacy type and is very easy to bypass with modern technology.
• In case you forget your password and you need it, write it down somewhere.
• Another way to improve network security is to change the network name (SSID).Your router has a default name. People trying to find an unsecured network immediately pay attention to the standard names of modems and try to guess the most likely passwords, or they use a brute-force method (brute force). In addition, you can completely turn off the broadcast of the name of your access point, then no one will see it.
• Be sure to turn on the firewall on your router. On some routers, it is disabled by default, but if you enable it, then the security of your network will increase.