Security is of utmost importance for your home or business wireless network. The novice user, when first installing a wireless router, will many times not take the necessary steps to secure their wireless network. This allows unauthorized individuals to use your internet service and can also allow them to access files on one or all of the computers on the network. This can lead to the theft of sensitive personal information and the destruction of important files. A few easy steps can be taken to assure that your network is secure:

1. Pay close attention during the installation of your router’s software. Many times you will be prompted within the installation to select a password and encryption method. Select a password that you will remember and one that can not be easily guessed. The most popular encryption method is WEP in both 64 bit and 128 bit, with 128 bit being the more secure of the two. The WEP method generate an encryption key based on your password which will be 10 hexadecimal for 64 bit and 26 for 128 bit which users must know to access the network. The strongest encryption method is WPA but all devices wishing to connect to a WPA network must be configured before hand. If you have already configured your router through the installation disk, congratulations, your network is secure! However, if you no longer have your installation disk or do not wish to reinstall your router software, you can secure your wireless network by other means
2. Find your router’s default IP address. Search your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the wireless routers default IP address. The standard IP address for most routers is 192.168.1.1
3. Open up a web browser and enter the IP address. You should now be prompted with a log on window. Most routers can be accessed with a blank user name by default and the password “admin”. Again, check your router’s user manual as your router may differ. Only users connected to the network can access this page, however it is recommended once your are on your routers settings page you change the user name and password to prevent individuals from changing your router settings without your knowledge.
4. A new page should now load giving you access to your routers configuration. Search for a Wireless tab or Wireless Security tab and select the type of encryption you would like and a password to go along with it. Make note of the key generated by the router as you will need to give it to those you want to connect to your network. Change the user name and password for the router to prevent unwanted access and changes. Finally, make sure to save your new setting before you close this page.
5. Congratulations, you have secured your wireless router!

Security is of utmost importance for your home, and your wireless network can be either a weaklink or the backbone of security. Follow this tutorial on How to Secure a Wireless Routerand you will be well on your way to a secure network. Good luck!

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