In order to update your router’s security settings follow these easy steps:

Step1 (Log in to your router)

To log in to your router run Internet Explorer (or your default browser) and enter the IP address of your router (192.168.2.1 by default) in the address bar and hit Enter. To find your IP address in Windows press the windows key and the key “R” at the same time. In the new window, type “cmd” and hit Enter, then type “ipconfig” and hit Enter. Now, under “Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network settings” you should have Default Gateway followed by an array of numbers devided in 4 groups by dots. That is your router’s IP.

Step2 (Login)

After hitting Enter, you will see a login prompt appear on your screen.

To login, use the following password in the prompt box.

Password:  smcadmin

Step3 (Wireless Settings)

Hide SSID Settings

To hide your router’s SSID, go to  Wireless > Channel and SSID. This will display the Channel and SSID screen where you can configure your wireless network. First, type in the name of your wireless network in the SSID box. To hide the SSID (Service Set Identification) check the “Disable” option next to SSID Broadcast. This will hide your wireless network from the clients searching for wireless connections and thereby protect your network from hackers.

To make your wireless network safe, you should select the appropriate security option.

To do so go to Wireless > Security.

This router supports 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi Protected), WPA2 (Pre-Shared Key) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected) + WPA2 (Pre-Shared Key) security encryption methods. Each one is more secure than the previous one listed.

It is recommended to use WPA (Wi-Fi Protected) + WPA2 (Pre-Shared Key). In order to do so you  first have to choose WPA from the drop-down.

WPA+WPA2

In the new window select WPA/WPA2 Mixed Mode from the drop-down menu. Select Pre-shared Key to use as the authentication method, click the Passphrase radio button for Pre-shared Key Type, then type in your desired password in the Pre-shared Key field. To save the setting changes you have made to your router, click Save Settings.

Well done! You have now secured your router!