Administrator Updated on March 30, 2023 WiFi is now an open network which has made it a little difficult to secure our network. Don't worry, anyone with the correct AP (Access point) SSID and password can join your WiFi. So can you put a password on WiFi? Yes, you can. You just need to know how to do it.
Setting up a wireless network in your office or home is ideal for convenience. However, leaving it open for public use will have several disadvantages. For example, your neighboring internet users might be able to access your network, and this can affect your internet speed.
The more users accessing your router, the slower the connection gets. Also, this puts your network at the risk of possible malicious attacks.
Thus, it is best to set a strong password that only a limited number of people can use to access. This doesn't only speed up your connection, but it also protects you from anyone who attempts to track your IP address. Setting a Wi-Fi password is easy and quick. Follow the guide below for more information on how to put a password on your Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Access Your Router
You may access your router with the disc that comes with the router. All routers are intentionally manufactured to allow remote access through the user's browser. To access the router through a web browser, you should enter the usual router address first in the address bar.
Some possible addresses include:
- 192.168.1.1
- 192.168.2.1
- 192.168.0.1
If possible, try accessing your router using your computer or any computer that's connected to your router through your Ethernet cable. Accessing your router through Wi-Fi might only put you at risk because you might be kicked out from the network as soon as you attempt to alter the settings. When this happens, you might have to connect the network again and enter your log-in information again to input the necessary adjustments.
The default password and username for typical routers is "admin." However, if this does not work for both fields, you will have to try leaving the other field blank while entering "admin" on the other. If this alternative still doesn't work, the best thing is to contact and consult your router’s manufacturer support team for specific methods on how to access it.
Also, if you can’t remember your password, try pressing and holding the "Reset" button to return the setting to factory defaults. It means all the adjustments you've made with your router before will be undone. This button is present in all types and brands of routers.
Step 2: Find Your Security Settings
After accessing your router, you now need to find your security settings. Although the labels of the sections in your security settings will differ from device to device, this is typically found in "Network and Internet” settings or "Network and Security” settings.
If you're having a hard time locating it, enter the model number of your router into a search engine for guidance on how to gain access to your router's security settings.
Step 3: Choose the Type of Encryption
Typical router models have plenty of options available for security. You may choose between WPA-PSK (Personal) or WEP. Please note that some older routers may not be able to link to a wireless network that utilizes WPA2.
Step 4: Select the AES Algorithm for WPA2-Personal
AES means Advanced Encryption Standard. This is the ideal algorithm set for the encryption of wireless networks.
Step 5: Enter your SSID and Passphrase
Your SSID is actually your network's name, and your passphrase should be inputted by any computer or device that is connected to that network name. After inputting this information, save your adjustments and refresh the router.
To do this, select the "save" or "apply" button located in the Wireless Settings or Security Settings page in order to save all the adjustments you made.
Summary: Put a Password on Wi-Fi
- Ensure your computer has good internet connection.
- Press the Windows key and type Credential Manager.
- Click on the Credential Manager icon.
- Choose the Wi-Fi icon from the list of credentials.
- Choose the network and click on it.
- Click on edit and a window will pop up.
- Create a "password" for password in credential key fields, respectively!
Conclusion
Remember to always input a strong password. A strong password consists of symbols, numbers, and letters. The more random the combination is, the harder it will be for someone to guess it. In that way, you can have your Wi-Fi all for your house or office and prevent nearby device activities from slowing down your connection.
