Want to change your WiFi router password? Here’s how
Wi-Fi is what you use to connect to the internet, so you can stay in touch with friends on social media, browse the Web, shop or play games. However, poorly secured Wi-Fi can leave your internet connection at risk of being hijacked or worse, leave your personal information exposed. Security experts advise you to change your password on a regular basis to keep your Wi-Fi and data secure. In this post, we run you through how to do this.
Your internet connection is established through your router. The router projects radio waves which your Wi-Fi enabled devices connect to. Routers are often delivered with a pre-set password, this is usually a random mixture of numbers and words designed to allow you to connect easily to the internet. As a result, most internet providers will advise you to change this password as soon as possible to boost your level of security.
However, each router is different, so it is best to consult the manual which came with the delivery first. Alternatively, you can try the following:
- Open up your internet browser and enter the address of your router into the browser’s address bar. This is common referred to as your “IP address” and can usually be found in the manual or underneath the router. Once you’ve pressed enter, you may be asked for an administrator password, this can also be found either in the manual or on the router itself.
- You’ll be presented with what looks like a normal page, but this is actually hosted on your router. From here, you can make changes to your router. If you have a new router, you’ll find the password settings under ‘Administrator’. If your router is an old model, find the security tab on the page. Make sure you choose a strong password to keep your connection as secure as possible. You can read our guide to creating a strong password here.
- Next, you’ll want to encrypt your connection to fortify your defenses. This can be done on the same page when you changed your internet password. Simply find the wireless security settings and choose from the different options available. With most routers, you will be presented with three different choices: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. WPA2 is the most secure network choice but may not work with older devices, in which case you can revert to WPA. Security experts advise you to not choose WEP encryption as this is easier to hack.
- If possible, you should change your network name too. You will be able to do this on the same screen as your Wi-Fi password or as an option on the web page. Your network name should not contain any personal, identifiable information. Changing your network name acts as a deterrent to potential hackers as it shows that you have altered your internet’s default settings which are easier to hack.
- Once you’ve changed your settings, remember to click save!
Changing your router password is often something which we delay or forget to do. But it is a really simple, but important way to boost your internet security and to protect your details.
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