Tips to Secure Your Router and WiFi Network in Minutes

How secure is your WiFi router and network? In many cases, once users install a WiFi router, they place it in their home and forget about it. As long as we connect all our devices to the WiFi network, that's all matters, right? Wrong!

Perhaps, most of you don't realize, but a WiFi router is a key device to have internet access. And it is also susceptible to exploits by hackers who can sneak into our devices and enter our WiFi network. So securing your WiFi network is a must.

Here are some easy tips to lock down your wireless network security. And it hardly takes any time to secure your router. Let's delve in.

1. Always Access Admin Panel With Ethernet

Logging into your router's admin panel is as easy as counting 123. If you own a Netgear WiFi router, open a web browser, type the Netgear router login IP in the address bar and press enter.

Now, input the admin username and password and click Login. That's all good unless you are doing so via a wired connection.

While logging into your router wirelessly, the login details are sent over the air. But if you use an Ethernet connection to log in, you can eliminate this risk.

2. Change the Default Admin Details

Every router includes a default username and password for the admin panel. That's how you log in to your router for the very first time.

If anyone knows what kind of router you own, finding the default admin details is extremely easy for them. So it's important to change the default username and password for your router.

3. Change the Default SSID

Another way to secure your router and WiFi network is to change your router's SSID right away. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, SSID is the public name that shows up when anyone is searching for in-range WiFi networks.

Most routers include their brand name in the default SSID, which makes it easier for anyone to enter your WiFi network. Therefore, keep in mind to change the SSID immediately. You can also consider making your network name is a funny one.

4. Encrypt Using AES and WPA2

Encryption is a must-use feature on all WiFi routers. If you don't use encryption, it is like leaving all of your windows and doors open all of the time. So don't forget to enable encryption on your WiFi router.

In case you are done with Netgear router setup in your home, ensure that you use WPA2 Personal encryption mode. No matter what, it's recommended do not use WEP encryption as it's weak and can be easily cracked.

5. Keep Your Router Firmware Updated

Routers come with software called firmware. Do not ever use outdated firmware version for your router as newer updates include additional features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. That's why it is best to keep your router firmware up-to-date.

Most router manufacturers such as Netgear introduce the firmware updates from time to time. So you must check your router manufacturer's site for the latest firmware updates. You can update Netgear router firmware via its web user interface.

In Nutshell

So these were some of the best tips to secure your router and wireless network. It probably takes a few minutes to read and actually apply all the aforementioned tips. A little goes a long way!

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