1. Securing Your Network: Why it’s Important
An unsecured or open wireless network poses many risks including but not limited to:
- Copyright Infringement Claims (If someone uses your connection to download or access copyright protected material).
- Criminal Investigations (If someone uses your connection for illegal activities).
- Account Information or Password Capture.
- Packet Sniffing.
- Data Security Breaches.
- Malware Attacks.
- Loss of internet speed.
- Loss of bandwidth on metered connections.
This guide will walk you through general steps and best practices in securing your wireless network.
2. Verify Connection
The first thing you’ll need to do to verify the wireless network’s security is login to the router’s web interface.
In order to do this you will need to be connected to the network you intend to verify.
If you are currently connected to another network, e.g. your workplace’s network, please continue this guide once you are connected to the network you wish to verify.
3. Get Router IP Address
To access the router’s web interface you will need to obtain its IP address on the private network.
In order to provide you with the most specific steps, please specify the type of device you are currently using.
In order to provide you with the most specific steps, please specify the type of device you are currently using.
4. Kind Of Device are You Currently Using
Windows: Get Router IP
To get your router’s IP address
- On your keyboard, simultaneously press the Windows key and R to bring up the Run Window.
- In the Run window type: cmd and click OK or hit Enter on your keyboard.
- In the Command Prompt window type:
ipconfig - Hit Enter on your keyboard.
- In the ipconfig results, look for the value next to Default Gateway.
- Take note of the Default Gateway.
Mac: Get Router IP
To get your router’s IP address
- Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your desktop.
- Click System Preferences.
- Click Network.
- In the left pane, select the network with the green status indicating Connected.
- Take note of the value next to Router.
Android: Get Router IP
To get your router’s IP address:
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap your network – It should indicate Connected.
- Take note of the value under or next to Manage Router.
iOS: Get Router IP
To get your router’s IP address
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- Find your network – It should indicate Connected by a check mark.
- Tap the Info icon
to the right of your network’s name.
- Take note of the value next to Router.
5. Router: Login
Now that you know the router’s IP address, you can access the web interface.
To access the router’s web interface
- Open a web browser of your choice.
- Type the Default Gateway you noted in the previous step into the address bar and hit Enter on your keyboard.
- Login using your router’s username and password.
Tips:
If you do not know the username and password for your router’s web interface, chances are it is still set to the default. In most cases the default credentials are listed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. If they are not, consult your router’s user manual, search on the support site or contact the manufacturer.
6. Router: Security Settings
The interface will vary depending on the make and model of your router but the general process will be the same.
To ensure that your wireless network is secure
- Locate and click on the option/menu that says Wireless or Wi-Fi.
- Within the main wireless menu you should see some basic information regarding your network such as the network name (SSID), network type and channel selection. You may also see a Security section, if you do, skip to step 4.
- If you do not see a security section in the main wireless menu there should be a submenu that you can click on from the heading on the top or the left side navigation pane.
- Once in the security section you will see options for the security type. The best security type and the current standard is WPA2-AES. If this option is available, select it.
- Once a security type (preferably WPA2-AES) is enabled, you will need to enter a network password. The password should be something that you can remember but not something someone can guess. Do not use your birthday, phone number, address, name or any other readily available information. It is a best practice to use a combination of letters, numbers, upper case letters and special characters.
- Once you have specified your security type and password click Save or Apply.
- Any time you change your wireless security settings you will need to reconnect your wireless devices since the profiles they have stored for the network no longer apply.
- If your router is dual band, meaning it has a 2.4 and a 5 GHz network you may need to repeat the steps listed above for each network because each network may be controlled individually. You must use different network names for each band.
- If your router has a guest network you will need to repeat the steps listed above for the guest network because it is controlled separately.
7. Wi-Fi: Exercise Caution
- Exercise caution with who you share your wireless password with.
- If at any time you suspect that your password has been compromised, change it immediately.
