Your Linksys router’s security settings help the Router protect the wireless network from unauthorized access. You can choose from various security options built into your Linksys router. Let us discuss the essential ways in this blog to secure the Linksys router.
There are three main options for setting up security measures on the network.
- Setup WEP/WPA/WPA2 wireless security or password for the router.
- Wifi protected access – This is wireless security that is dynamic.
- Wired Equivalent Protocol – This is a wireless security protocol that doesn’t change. It offers the same level of confidentiality as a traditional wired network.
For a better level of security, WPA/WPA2 wireless security should be preferred to WEP. Security breaches are more likely with WEP encryption.
Enabling wireless MAC filter
Wireless access can be controlled by the Media Access Control (MAC) address of wireless devices that transmit within the radius of your network. You can allow or block specific wireless computers from accessing your wireless network.
Disable the SSID broadcast from the Router
One way to secure your wireless network is to disable the SSID broadcast. This will stop other users from finding your Router’s wireless name (SSID) during a scan of the wireless network available in your area.
Note: If you disable the SSID broadcast of your Linksys router, your wireless device won’t be able to detect available wireless networks when it searches.
Quick Tips
- You can temporarily disconnect wireless devices from the internet by changing basic settings such as the wireless security mode, wireless password, or wireless network name (SSID). The devices will need to be reconnected, and the wireless settings will change.
- Ensure to reconnect your wireless devices, including laptops and computers, that were previously connected using old wireless settings.
- While disabling the SSID broadcast may help protect your wireless network, it’s recommended that you use a higher security mode, such as WPA2, and a unique password/passphrase to secure your network.
Changing Router’s password for wifi
Change your wifi password regularly to protect yourself from unauthorized access to your data and other criminals. We will demonstrate how to change your wifi password with a Linksys router.
Follow these steps to change your password for wifi.
- Launch any compatible browser.
- In the address bar, enter 192.168.1.1 and hit the Enter key or enter the changed IP address of your router.
- In the provided fields, enter your credentials.
- The default username field is empty, and the administrator is admin. You can personalize your router password by using this instead.
- You may need to reset your Router to factory settings if your password is incorrect or you have forgotten it.
- Click on the Wireless Security subtab under the Wireless tab.
- Some routers have wireless security settings that can be found under Wireless and then Wireless Settings in the manual option.
- Enter your preferred wifi password in the passphrase field. There are several wifi security options available for your Linksys router.
- To save your changes, select Save Settings.
You should note that devices that are connected to your network currently will be disconnected after you change your wifi password. They will need to be reconnected using the new password.
Reset Process
It is essential to perform the reset process if every above troubleshooting tip fails. It will erase every saved setting. We will discuss the two methods below.
Reset using the web-based setup page
- Begin by accessing the web-based router setup page.
- Click on the Factory defaults tab after you have selected the Administration tab.
- Click on the Restore Factory Defaults link under the Factory Defaults section.
Reconfigure the Router following your internet service after restoring it to factory default. The Router’s power light-emitting device blinks for several seconds after being reset. This indicates that the Router is stabilizing. If the power light stops working after one minute the Router will continue to flash for a few seconds.
Hard reset
- Firstly, the Reset button is one way to reset your Router.
- Using a paperclip hold the button for a few seconds.
- The Router should blink to indicate that it is being reset properly.
- Wait until 30 seconds, unplug the router from the power outlet.
- Turn off the power light and plug it back in.
- Release the button.
- Wait until the Router’s settings return to their factory defaults.
Conclusion
These steps help in improving the security of your Router. Contact our technicians if you have questions or doubts.