Issue 45.17
In a recent article we talked about a security problem with the encryption system most wireless (wifi) routers that people use. We recommend you look it up at seniorsampler.com if you have not read it. A number of readers have asked if we could post a description of how to look at and possibly change the settings for home networks set up on those routers.
Because there are dozens of different brands of routers in use and many individual models within those brands, there is not a simple answer, but we can give you some guidelines that may help. The first thing to know is that, you can usually get the information you need from a label on the router (usually underneath). If that is not available, you can often get it by going to the manufacturer’s website and looking it up there. Before you do any of this, please understand that altering the settings on your router may disrupt communication between your router and the internet and between your computer, printer, tablet, phone and other electronic devices, the router and each other. Any changes made to the security settings will likely mean you will also need to make changes to the login information on each of your devices. That is why many people opt to have their computer professional make such changes and not do them unless they feel it is necessary.
All that said, you can usually get to the router’s login screen by typing either the router’s IP address or login address in your browser. That address is usually reached by typing routerlogin or some similar command in your browser (see the owner’s manual or website). The IP address (alternate method) is usually a series of four sets of three number separated by a period in the form 192.168.***.*** where the * series is usually between 001 and 100 in the first set and 001 in the second set. There are manufacturers that do not follow this concept, so it is best and quickest to check. Once you get to the login screen, you will need a username and password to enter the screen showing the settings. Often, the user name is “user” or “admin” or “administrator”. They are usually lower case, but capitals are sometimes used. The password is sometimes left blank but is usually “pass”, “password” or “1234”. The manufacturers intend that you will change these to something more secure after making any changes to the default settings. That is why they leave them very easy to access.
The final step most people take is to set up their SSID (Service Set IDentifier) and network passcode. These are often preset and reflected on the label underneath the router. The SSID usually contains the manufacturers name (Netgear, Cisco, D-Link, etc.) or a random word codeset such as “orangecoffee” or some other combination or words. The Passcode is often a random set of upper and lower case letters and numbers. You can change these to reflect your preferences. Some people use their last name as the SSID but I don’t recommend that approach as it identifies your network in the neighborhood. Creative people have used such things as “FBI surveillance” or “NSA basestation”. Passwords should be long enough and unique enough to keep your neighbors from guessing it, but should be written down or rememberable.
These steps can keep other people off your network. It’s worth a little time and effort to make that happen, and as always – make sure you remember to protect your data, documents, pictures and your computer, phone and tablet by always backing up anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 34 years, 27 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or mccausland.shaun54@gmail.com .