How To Secure Your Wireless Home Network With Pictures

Your home’s size and layout may make this impossible; if so, just try to keep your router well-away from windows and external doorways.

Even if you’re going to be gone for a standard 8- or 9-hour work day, disconnecting your router will prevent any chances of your network being compromised while you’re gone.

For example, using the router’s manufacturer and its number (e. g. , “Belkin-3030”) as the name will make the network stand out less than if its name is “Bill Wi the Science Fi” or something similar.

Windows - Follow these instructions. Mac - Click the Apple menu {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/f/ff/Macapple1. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/f/ff/Macapple1. png/29px-Macapple1. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:476,“bigWidth”:29,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Fair_use">Fair Use</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click System Preferences. . . , click Sharing, and uncheck the “File Sharing” box. [4] X Research source

Windows - Open Start {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/0/07/Windowsstart. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/0/07/Windowsstart. png/30px-Windowsstart. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:460,“bigWidth”:30,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Public_domain">Public Domain</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click Settings {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/d/d0/Windowssettings. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/d/d0/Windowssettings. png/31px-Windowssettings. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:445,“bigWidth”:31,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Public_domain">Public Domain</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click Network & Internet, click Status, scroll down and click View your network properties, scroll down to the “Default gateway” heading, and review the numbered address to the right of the heading. Mac - Open the Apple menu {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/f/ff/Macapple1. png”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/f/ff/Macapple1. png/29px-Macapple1. png",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:476,“bigWidth”:29,“bigHeight”:30,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon. \n</p>

License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Fair_use">Fair Use</a>
\n</p></div>"}, click System Preferences. . . , click Network, select your Wi-Fi network, click Advanced, click the TCP/IP tab, and review the numbered address to the right of the “Router” heading.

It may take your computer a few seconds to connect to the router’s page, especially if this is your first time doing so.

If your router’s page doesn’t have a login requirement, you’ll want to add one. Most routers will allow you to add a login password from the Settings section of the page.

If you can’t find a “Settings” option, look for a gear-shaped icon or a triangle-shaped icon in one of the corners of the page. Clicking such an icon will usually prompt a drop-down menu with options such as Settings. You may first have to click a Wireless tab or section.

You don’t have to change the network name if you’re using the default network name with which the router was programmed.

Your password should include both upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using any personal information (e. g. , a pet’s name) for the password. You may first have to enter the current password. Changing your password prevents people from accessing your network with the router’s default password.

You may have to scroll down to see this option. If your router signs your computer out of your network at this point, connect to your network with the new password before proceeding.

WPS is a huge security risk simply because literally anyone (e. g. , friends, family, contractors, home intruders, etc. ) can connect to your router within a few seconds by pushing a button.

In some cases, you may have to confirm this decision or enter a password to complete the process.

WPA2 is much more secure than its WPA or WEP counterparts.

For some routers, you may find the “Firewall” section on the Settings page. Your router may not have a firewall included. If you can’t find a “Firewall” section, check your router’s manual or online documentation to determine whether or not there is a firewall feature, and where it is if so.

If you see any on-screen instructions appear after doing this, follow them.