How to Increase Router Security

A router is vulnerable to hackers unless secured properly.

Proper router security can keep thieves and hackers from breaking into your network and stealing your vital information. If your router security seems less than par, you can increase it by adjusting your router settings to be more stringent. Once that's done, you can stop worrying, knowing that your wireless network is protected.

Instructions

1. Change the admin password on your router. To do this, enter the IP address for your router into the address bar on your Web browser. Many routers often use 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.2.1. Routers come with a factory default user ID and password to safeguard a router's configuration panel. Click the "Tools" tab, then the "Admin" button and change the administrator password.

2. Disable SSID Broadcast. To do this, log into your router and click the "Home" tab, then the "Wireless" button. Choose the "Disable" button next to SSID Broadcast. The SSID is the name of your network that you see when you are trying to connect to it. With SSID disabled, your router will be "invisible" to average users.

3. Enable WPA Security. Click the "Home" button, then the "Wireless" button. From the Security pull-down, choose "WPA." Do not use WEP. WEP can be hacked within five minutes with the proper programs. WEP only uses numbers, while WPA can use numbers and letters. This makes it a lot hard for programs to hack your access code.

Tips & Warnings

• If you mess up your router's settings, you can use the "Reset to Factory Settings" button typically found on a router's homepage. This will reset your router to the factory settings so that you can start over.

• If your router is vulnerable to security issues, check with the manufacturer for the latest update to the firmware.

References

• ESecurity Planet; Improve Network Security With Better Router Security; Michael Horowitz; Nov. 8, 2010