How to Hide Your SSID (Service Set Identifier).

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from others trying to use your wireless connection is to hide or not broadcast your SSID. The SSID will still be seen by those already set up in your network, but it will not be seen by roving eyes. The only way it can be found is if the person is using specific software to find all wireless points that are being broadcast; but most people don’t have this ability and wouldn’t know how to use it if they did. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Computer
• A Connected Wireless Router
• Moderate PC Skills

1. Open your web browser and enter the address of your wireless router which is normally 192.168.0.1. This will direct you to the log in screen for your router. Please note that if you have not changed your log in user name and password then it will be the default settings which are normally “Admin” with the password “admin” or “password.”

2. With most wireless routers the area you would need to go to next, in order to find the SSID broadcasting function, would be Wireless Network Settings.

3. Find the appropriate box to de-select the ability of the router to broadcast your SSID. On many routers this may be a box marked “invisible.” The box should be checked, so simply uncheck it in order to stop the broadcast.

4. Before closing the browser check to make sure that you do not need to save any changes to your settings that you have just made. Some routers have a save button or link while others ask you to save when you log out or try to navigate away from the configuration site. Either way, please make sure you save your changes or your SSID will still be openly broadcast.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you write down or remember the name of your SSID before turning the broadcasting function off.
• Make sure you save the settings before leaving the router configuration settings.