10 Simple steps to secure your

Wi-Fi Network.
Step 1: Change the Default Password of Modem / Router

After opening modem page click on management -

access control – password. Select username,
confirm old password and put new desired
password.

Change the default password

Each router has a default username and password, and you should always change these the

moment you start configuring the router. If the router's password is either unchanged common or

weak, a hacker might be able to reconfigure the router and wipe out all your other security measures,

making them useless. You should try to use a good mix of numbers and characters to be on the

safe side.

Tips in setting a new password

• Always use combinations of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols in

your passwords.

• Avoid using common words, which are known to friends and neighbors.

• Change your passwords frequently.

Step 2: Change Default Modem/ Router IP address

Click on Advance Setup - LAN and put

IP accordingly all other value changes
automatically.

Change the default IP address

Most routers have a common IP (Internet Protocol) address, which is set to 192.168.1.1, which

is known by most of the hackers. You should change you IP address to a random, uncommon

IP address. You'll need to stay within the series, such as 192.168.xxx.xxx, but the last value

can be changed to anything you like.

Step 3: Disable the DHCP services

Click on Advance Setup - LAN and

Disable DHCP services. Then save
& apply.

Disable the DHCP service

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enables remote computers connected to the

router to obtain an IP address and connect to the network without needing to know the IP

and router address information. Disabling the DHCP services is a simple add effective way of

keeping intruders away. As far as possible, set up the computers on your network with static

IP addresses. If you still want to use DHCP to make your own configuration easier, restrict

the number of DHCP IP users to the number of computers on your network. For

example, if you have five laptops running on the network, limit the DHCP IP addresses to 5

from the default 50.

Step 4: Change the Default SSID

Click on wireless – click

basic- and changed SSID
accordingly

Change the default SSID

The SSID is the name of your network. It often reveals the name of a house or

office from where signal is coming, allowing hackers to zero in on your location. Change the

SSID to some random name, or disable SSID broadcast entirely if possible. Disabling

the SSID broadcast makes your WiFi router invisible to laptops and cell phones in the

area, which automatically scan for Wi-Fi hotspots and try to join them. If hackers can't be

sure that your network even exists, they will not bother trying to break in.
Step 5: Opt for WPA2 or PSK security

Click on Wireless - security – change

network authentication WPA2-PSK, enter
WPA pre-shared key, as shown in the
figure.

Opt for WPA2 or PSK security over WEP

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) keys can be cracked with relative ease, so opt for WPA (Wi-Fi

Protected Access), which uses 64-bit or 128-bit encryption. PSKs are Pre-Shared Keys, which

provide stronger security than WEP or WPA. The encrypted keys are shared by the router

and your Wi-Fi devices. The higher the encryption bit rate, the more difficult it is to crack.
Step 6: Enable the MAC filter

Click on Wireless – MAC Filter and ADD the

MAC address to authenticate or restrict a
particular computer on the network.

En ab le the M A C F ilte r

Enable MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering to restrict or authenticate a particular

computer on the network. A MAC address is a unique physical address assigned to every piece

of network equipment, which the router can use to restrict or authenticate it. If an unauthorized

computer tries to join the network, it will simply be rejected.

Step 7: Disable the Remote Administration

Disable remote administration

Remote management features can be helpful and convenient if you are constantly on the move,
but can also be a window for hackers. Enable this feature only when you are actually traveling and
really need it.
Step 8: Use the Router's firewall
Enable the firewall feature if your router has one. Usually, routers use SPI (Stateful Packet
Inspection), which reviews the packets of data entering your network. If your router has an
Internet Filter, enable it too. This rejects anonymous Internet requests and keeps your
network from being "pinged", or detected by other users over the Internet.

Step 9: Switch off the router when not in use

If you only need Wi-Fi for home or office networking and do not need to use the Internet at all

times, you could simply disconnect the ISP's cable from your router or switch off your

ADSL/cable modem.

Step 10: Position your Router carefully

As far as possible, position the router in the center of your room or office. If your router allows

you to reduce its signal strength, keep it at a level sufficient for your usage area. You never know

how many people are actually able to detect and use your network. Keeping the router at a

height increases the area of broadcast, so keep that in mind.