How to Secure a Wireless Netork / Router

Securing your wireless router is extremely important for anyone who is connected to the internet via a wireless network . Connecting to an unsecured wireless network puts all of you private information at risk. The following steps will explain in detail how to secure your wireless router.

Instructions

1. Getting Started

   To start you will need to open your web browser and enter your router's IP address in the search bar . Typically this IP address will be either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1 .

   Note : There is no need to enter "www." or ".com" when entering the IP address in your search bar.

2. Upon entering your IP address you will be prompted to a box asking for your user name and password . If you don't have a user name or password , simply leave the user name box empty and enter "ADMIN" in the password box .

3. Once you are signed in you will access your routers configuration and settings page. If your router is a Linksys click the "wireless " tab , and then click "wireless security" . Be sure your security mode is set to "WPA Personal" and your WPA Algorithm is set to TKIP . In the box that says "WPA Shared Key" , enter a password of atleast 8 characters . This password will be the password used to sign in to your secured network . Click on "save settings " ..... your is now secured.

4. Take Additional Security Measures

   To increase the security of your wireless network try the following :

   Enable Encryption
   Turn off SSID broadcasting
   Change Your Network Name

5. Try Wireless Router Security Programs

   To further secure your wireless router try purchasing a security program . Such programs are specifically designed to increase the security of your wireless network. A few free trials of such software can be found at websites such as download.com .