How to improve security on your home router

This assumes you’re already connected to the Internet because, right out of the box, most routers give you that these days.

To find your router’s IP address (assuming you're using Windows 2000 or newer), do the following from your PC:

• Click Start, Run, type (without quotes) "cmd", hit Enter
• For Vista and Windows 7, skip the "Run" step.
• At this Command/DOS Prompt, type (without quotes) "ipconfig", hit Enter
• Look for the "Default Gateway" address. That’s your router’s address.

Open up your router’s configuration screen.   Most home routers use a "web/http" interface, so that’s what we’ll focus on here.

• On your browser’s Address line, type (without quotes, as an example) "http://10.11.12.13" (or whatever the "gateway" address was, above), hit Enter
• It will then have you login
• To set the ROUTER’S password, click Administration or something similar 
• See routerpasswords.com for typical usernames/passwords
• Type in the new password (usually twice)

For wireless security, depending on your router, click Wireless and/or Wireless Security or something similar:

• Choose WPA2 Personal as the encryption type, if possible.   Second best is WPA.   For older devices, choose WEP, which is better than nothing.
• Next, create a WPA Shared Key between 8 and 63 characters.
• You can then go so far as to make the router’s wireless ID (SSID) hidden by unchecking a box named "Broadcast this router’s ID?" or something similar, depending on your router:
• I’d recommend connecting your wireless devices to the router first, so they "know" where the router is, then make the SSID invisible/hidden.

All routers have their own screens and menu systems.   Just remember to look for where you might "Set the Administrator password" and "Wireless password."

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For in-home/on-site computer repair service in and around Nashville (remove viruses, connect to the Internet, setup new systems, fix a myriad of problems), call Bill at (615) 479-4981.