Setting up a Netgear router allows you to access a lag-free internet connection in every corner of your home. But, your internet usage experience might get ruined if your WiFi network is not secure. But, thankfully, you can secure your Netgear router’s wireless network by tweaking a few settings. Let us tell you how.
How to Secure Netgear Router’s Wireless Network?
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Have Stronger Login Credentials
Every Netgear router comes with the default username and password. If you don’t change them, they can pose a threat to the security of your its wireless network. The reason being, default login credentials are easy to guess thereby making your personal data easily accessible. You can change the default login details using the 192.168.1.0 IP address.
Besides, make sure that the new login credentials of your Netgear router are difficult to guess. Avoid using your personal details like phone number, pet’s name, spouse’s name, etc. as login credentials.
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Disable the SSID Broadcast
Disabling the SSID broadcast on the Netgear WiFi router is another excellent way to secure its network. Once you disable the SSID broadcast on your router, no one will be able to see its WiFi name on the network list. Hence, it reduces the chance of your Netgear router’s WiFi network being accessed by unauthorized users.
To disable the SSID broadcast on your Netgear router, access the 192.168.1.1 admin page, log in to your WiFi device and then uncheck the Enable SSID broadcast option under the Wireless section. Lastly, do not forget to click the Save button.
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Update the Firmware
Performing firmware update not only helps in streamlining the performance of your Netgear router but also adds certain security features. It protects your device from malicious attacks that can affect your internet experience. So, we recommend you never ignore the pending firmware update of your Netgear router.
Mentioned below are the steps to update the firmware of your Netgear router:
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Turn on your Netgear router and connect it to the existing modem.
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Thereafter, open a web browser on your PC and access the 192.168.1.2 IP address.
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Fill in the login credentials of your Netgear wireless router into the required fields and click Log In.
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You will be taken to the BASIC Home screen.
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Now, move to the Settings tab and click the Maintenance option.
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Look for the Firmware Update option and click it to check if there is new firmware available for your device.
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If a new firmware version is there, follow the on-screen prompts and get your device updated.
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Set Up a Guest Network
Another thing that you can do to protect your router’s network is by Creating a guest network for all the visitors who come to your home. This is because sharing the WiFi details of the main router’s network is not a good idea at all. You never know who’ll end up revealing those details to another person. Secondly, if your guest accidentally downloads a malicious file, it can infect the all the WiFi-enabled devices connected to your router’s network. But, if you set up a guest network, you will get rid of this disadvantage.
To set up a guest network on your Netgear router, log in to your WiFi device using the 10.0.0.1 IP address, click the Settings tab and look for the Guest Network option. After reaching there, select the Enable Guest Network checkbox and you’re done. Save the changes made to your device by clicking the Apply button.
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Subscribe Netgear Armor
You can also reduce potential threats by subscribing to Netgear Armor. It is an advanced multi-layer cyber security protection that protects your device from malware, hackers, spam, and phishing.
Netgear Armor detects the security threat and blocks it before it reaches your device and affects the WiFi network.
Bonus Tip: To further enhance the security of your Netgear router’s wireless network, consider changing the security option to the latest wireless encryption standard.
In the Nutshell
In a world full of hackers who are circumambulating around your Netgear router’s WiFi network, the security of your device is a primary requirement. Let’s hope that you’ll be able to shield your Netgear router’s wireless network by following the hacks discussed in this post.
