As the use of Wi-Fi enabled devices like smart Phones, Tablets, e-Book Readers, etc is growing, it become most essential to have the Wi-Fi router at your place for such devices. Currently available Wi-Fi routers come with easy setup wizards so that it can be configured by any person (so called technical knowhow is not required). General tendency of people is to call the internet provider person or hardware engineer and ask him to setup the Wi-Fi router. This compromised on security aspect of Wi-Fi router which can lead you to trouble in future. So it is wise to know the basic and critical aspects of Wi-Fi routers which can make router more secured. We cannot guarantee fool proof security for your Wi-Fi router, (as it best said by some one ‘Nothing is perfect’) but we can surely suggest easy steps to stop major lapse in security.
So why it is necessary to secure the Wi-Fi router and why not wired router? Simple, wired router is available to those devices which are connected physically to router by wire. So you can control who can connect and who cannot. But wireless router can be accessed with out any physical connection. The range of basic or home router typically goes up to 100 meters if there is no obstacle in between. Considering that the Wi-Fi router is placed near the window, it can be accessed from anywhere till the distance of 75 to 100 meters from the window, easily. Now you will tell me it can be access only if you have the network key or password to connect. Correct but if the Wi-Fi router was configured by your hardware or internet person he knows it right. And he can share that password with the people whom he knows it. Good now you realize the problem and you want solution for this, right? So here are some simple ways to secure your Wi-Fi router.
1. Protect Configuration Utility
All routers (wired or wireless) come with pre installed configuration utility or you can say pre-installed app (in current mobile language), which allows you to configure the router settings. To access this utility, you have to connect to the router via wired or wireless connection. While configuring for the first time, it is advisable to connect via wired connection. You can use the CD if it is provided along with router or simply typing gateway IP Address in browser address bar (http://{gateway IP address}) after you connects to router. This utility or pre installed app asks for user id and password to access the configuration. Typically, the user id will be ‘admin’ and the password will be blank or ‘admin’ or ‘password’. User authentication information can be obtained from back side of router itself or on the pacing box or in the document provided with the router. Once you get the access to configuration tool you should change this password first. To change this password, look for option like ‘Administration’ or ‘system Utility’ or ‘Change Password’. This depends on the make and model of router but you should be able to get option to change the password of ‘Admin’ login. Do not share this password with anyone because with the help of this password one can change or control your router completely. Please remember that this is not the password or network key for wireless connection access. Please remember that there is no need to share this password with anyone as this is not the password or network key for wireless connection access.
2. Manage Wi-Fi Security
Second and the most important aspect of Wi-Fi router security are to set up Wi-Fi connection properties. You need to set three things in this section. First look for the option like ‘Wireless Security’ in Wi-Fi router configuration utility. This again depends on router make and model but you should have option to set up Wi-Fi connection security properties. Once you get this link, you will see the option called ‘Security Mode’. Set the value to ‘WPA2 Personal’. Once you set the security mode, you will get one more property called ‘Encryption’. You need to set the value for this as ‘TKIP or AES’ for encryption. Last but most important option of Wi-Fi security is connection password. This is called as ‘Password’ / ‘Network Key’ / ‘Passphrase’ depending on the make and model of router. This is the key or password you need to enter when you try to connect your wireless device to the router. Do remember this password, as you will need it to connect every new device to your Wi-Fi router.
Gadgetdost Advise:You can further secure your Wi-Fi router but that will be in part 2 of this article. So KEEP reading gadgetdost.com and be secured more than before.
No comments:
Post a Comment