We all want a secure wireless network where we don’t have to worry about hackers. Secured wireless routers enable users to use efficient wireless access to the internet while providing a secure environment to do so - whether it’s at home, work, or outdoors. It’s important to make sure your router is up to date, so check out our top 7 tips for securing your wireless router.

Access your wireless router configuration. To access the settings of your wireless router and configuration menu then connect to the router either wirelessly or via Ethernet cable. Open a web browser, ie: [http://192.168.1.1] or [http://192.168.2.1]

1) Change administrator password

Just about all wireless routers come with a blank password. It is important that it be changed to a potential hacker can get into your router Configuration and lock your hardware.

2) Change the SSID (the network name)

The default network name is usually made of the name/model of your wireless router. This information gives an advantage to the attacker, and makes it easier for them to penetrate the network. Renaming is not something like your surname, name, or a house, because it makes unnecessary personal information. Rename it to an alpha-numeric string – this can take up to32 characters in length.

3) Turn off SSID transfers

By default, a wireless router, the SSID is broadcast so anyone in the vicinity of your wireless router can see. SSID broadcasting can be turned off the wireless routerand thus virtually invisible.

4) Turn on encryption

This option is disabled by default. There is a choice of WEP, WPA and WPA2. Currently, the latest WPA2 encryption method is then used whenever possible. Both Wireless router and wireless PC card must be configured to use the same encryption.

5) MAC Address Control

All hardware is assigned a unique MAC address, including your PC card. The MAC address can be added to control lists, access to wireless router. Only devices that have access to the list of router control can be connected.

6) Update router firmware

It is recommended that the latest firmware of the routerdownloaded and installed by the manufacturer’s website and the router. This will hopefully fix any errors found on your router and also help with all known security vulnerabilities on the router itself.

7) Backup Settings

Finally, back up settings of the router. If you reset the router back to factory settings for any reason, the configuration later restored easily and quickly into the router again.