Make Your Wireless Router Hack Resistant
Today’s set-it-and-forget-it routers are open for hackers to enter and control your home network. Many router users never touch the router once it connects to the internet. Depending on antivirus software to guard an intermediary between the computer and the internet is insensible. Take action. Strengthen vulnerable entries and stop hackers in their tracks with five ways to make your passwords hack-resistant on your wireless network.
Change the administration username and password
By default, the router comes with a given username and password. Those given passwords are easy to crack, and hackers know it. Leaving those accounts unchanged gives hackers access to your entire home network. Avoid the scary situation and change both the username and password to something tough, similar to the ones you use during online banking. A mix of lower case, upper case, symbols, numbers, and a code longer than eight characters will do wonders.
Use WPA2 encryption
Encrypted passwords give a set number of dots that throws hackers off. They’ll think it’s the exact number when it’s really longer or shorter than it appears. WPA2 encryption is stronger than WPA and adding no encryption at all. It protects the router and wireless activity.
Set a network key
Listed under networks, computers attract routers’ wi-fi around the area. Just click on the network, press connect, and presto. You’re using someone else’s wi-fi without their knowledge. However, with a network key, no one can enter without a password. Many routers have a network key listed under the router; we advise you to change this. Like the administration tip, choose a tough password.
Change the router manufacturer’s given name
Smart hackers know the default username and passwords of every major company. Keeping the given name (Netgear, ATT, Xfinity, etc.) informs hackers what kind of router you own. Change the SSID (Service Set Identifier) to another name so hackers can’t find you. If the SSID comes with a separate password, change the password as well.
Update firmware
Firmware is the current router’s administration network version. The firmware has updated versions periodically, but many users don’t know this. Find firmware upgrade (or something similar) and get the latest version. Older versions have flaws hackers can easily manipulate to their advantage.
It’s time to learn more about your router and wireless network. Read those instructions and manually secure it before someone on the outside does it for you. For more information on network and computer security, contact us.