Remote Support

Router Safety – Must Do’s!

by | Jan 18, 2019 | Computer IT Repair Blog

First and Foremost, Change Your Default Password

Nearly every router has a “default password” to get into the administrative console. From here, you can setup, configure and maintain the router. This console controls passwords and security, so any hacker that got into your network could easily configure your network to allow access. By changing this password, the hacker might get into your network, but cannot change or allow access.

Second, configure the wireless settings with a strong password and use WPA2 encryption.

There are several wireless “encryption” languages. The safest is WPA2 and it simply requires a strong password. When youre setting up the router, choose this method.

Third, turn off WPS

WPS is a simple method of connecting devices to your wireless network. The problem is, its a simple six digit code and its easy to hack. This bypasses (and actually gives the hacker) your password!

How to Turn off WPS

The procedure to disable WPS differs by router manufacturer.

Apple Airport

WPS is not available for Apple Airport devices so you should already be protected.

ASUS

  1. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1
  2. Enter the administrator username and password (defaults username adminand password admin).
  3. Click Advanced Settings > Wireless
  4. Choose WPS from the tab.
  5. Move the slider next to Enable WPS to the off position.

Belkin

  1. Open a web browser and type 192.168.2.1 (or http://router).
  2. Click Login in the top-right corner.
  3. Enter the router’s password (default, leave blank) and click Submit.
  4. Click Wi-Fi Protected Setup under the Wireless menu on the left side of the screen.
  5. Change the Wi-fI Protected Setup drop-down list option to Disabled.
  6. Click Apply Changes.

Buffalo

Buffalo routers are not affected by the WPS problem.

Cisco Systems

  1. Open a browser and enter the IP address for your router. Cisco devices feature different options so visit this page to get both the IP address and default usernames and passwords for your specific hardware.
  2. Click Wireless > Wi-Fi Protected Setup from the menu.
  3. Click Off to disable WPS.
  4. Click Save to apply your settings.

D-Link

  1. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar.
  2. Login to the setup (default username: admin leave the password empty).
  3. Click the Setup tab.
  4. Remove the check next to Enable in Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
  5. Click Save settings.

Netgear

  1. Open a browser and type www.routerlogin.net
  2. Enter the username and password (default username: admin and password: password).
  3. Click Advanced Setup and select Wireless Settings.
  4. Under WPS Settings place a check in the Disable Router’s Pin box.
  5. Click Apply.

Trendnet

  1. Open a browser and type 192.168.10.1
  2. Login to the router settings page (default username: admin and password: admin).
  3. Click WPS under the Wireless menu.
  4. Change the WPS drop-down list option to Disable.
  5. Click Apply.

ZyXEL

  1. Open a browser and type 192.168.0.1
  2. Login to the router settings (default username: admin and password: 1234).
  3. Click Wireless Setup.
  4. Click WPS.
  5. Click the blue button to disable WPS.
Call Now