Posted in: Security, Tech Tips, Working Remotely

It’s important to make sure your home or office wireless network is secure. This will help keep unauthorized users from using your internet as well as help to prevent hackers from taking control of your computers through your own wireless network.

The first and most effective steps you can take is to change the default admin password, enable WPA2 encryption and use a strong password for your wireless network

If you rely on an outside party to help with your technology security, be sure they have met or exceeded these suggestions.

1. Change the default admin password (The default credentials are often “admin” for user and “password” for the password.
2. Change the network name (aka “SSID”)
3. Enable the highest form of security for your device, “WPA2”
4. Use a long and strong unique password

Change Admin Password

First and foremost, you’ll need to access your wireless router’s settings. Usually this is done via an regular browser window (Chrome, Safari, Edge) and do this by typing in “192.168.1.1” into the web browser. If that is the correct URL for your router, you will need to know and enter the user name and password for the router. This is different for each router brand but usually the default is the same for each brand which is why the first think you want to do is change that admin password! The default password is usually found on the router itself or in the user manual. You can also use Google to find the manuals for most routers in case you lost the printed manual that came with your router purchase. Search Google using your router brand and model + “default admin password.”

Change the Network Name

Don’t use or leave the name of the wireless network as the router, it advertises the brand/name/model of your equipment. This makes it easy for bad actors to figure out your router’s manufacturer and exploit any default passwords or security holes with that router. Typically, to change the name of the wireless network, look in the admin panel for “SSID”, often located under Advanced Settings > Wireless Settings > Network Name (SSID). If it’s not there, consult the user manual or search for it online.

Enable WPA2 Encryption

Depending on the age and type of your device you may have one or more encryption methods at your disposal. You will want to enable WPA encryption. If you don’t see that option, it may be time to upgrade your router. Enabling it will require that users enter a password to access the network,

Create a Good Password

Many law firms use their phone number or street address as the network password, do not  do this. Create a long and unique passphrase such as, “The people’s good is the highest law. Cicero, 106BC!”

These are just a handful of suggestions to get you started, see these resources for even more ways to secure your wireless network: SpeedGuide, LabNol.