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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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 .

[jaminaustin]

on 7/28/2009 that is crazy!