7 Easy Steps to Secure Your Wireless Router

Access to your wireless router configuration

To access your wireless router settings and configuration menu then connect to the router either wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable. Open a web browser, and either:

[http://192.168.1.1] or [http://192.168.2.1] Change 1) admin password

Most wireless routers come with a blank password. It is important that it be changed in a potential hacker could get into the configuration of your router and block outits own hardware.

2) Change the network name (otherwise known as the SSID)

The default network name is usually made of the name / model of your wireless router. This information provides an advantage for a hacker and makes it easier for them to break into your network. Rename it not something like your last name, a name or a house, because it makes unnecessary personal information. Rename it to an alpha-numeric string - this can be up to 32 characters.

3) Turnoff SSID transfers

By default, a wireless router, the SSID is broadcast so anyone in the vicinity of your wireless router can see it. SSID broadcasting can be turned off your wireless router and thus virtually invisible.

4) Enable encryption

This option is off by default. There is a choice of WEP, WPA and WPA2. Currently, the latest WPA2 encryption method is then used whenever possible so. Both your wireless router and wireless PC adapter must be configuredthe same encryption.

5) MAC Address Control

All hardware has a unique MAC address assigned, including your PC adapter card. The MAC address can be added to access control lists in the wireless router. Only devices that have access to the router control list may be connected.

6) router firmware update

It is recommended that you downloaded the latest router firmware from the manufacturer's website and installed on the router.This will hopefully fix any errors found on your router and also help with all known security vulnerabilities in the router itself.

7) Backup Settings

Finally, backup router settings. If you reset the router back to factory settings for whatever reason, your configuration later restored easily and quickly into the router again.