How to Lock Down Your Wireless Network


To get started, you’ll need to log in to your router's administrative console by typing the router’s IP address into your Web browser's address bar. Most routers use a common address like, though alternatives like and are also common. Check the manual that came with your router to determine the correct IP address; if you’ve lost your manual, you can usually find the appropriate IP address on the manufacturer’s website.

Change Your Passwords

The first step in securing your network is simple: change your passwords! Default router passwords like “admin” are seductively simple to remember, but that means they’re equally simple for a hacker to guess; there’s even a public database containing default login credentials for more than 450 networking equipment vendors.

While no password is foolproof, you can build a better password by combining numbers and letters into a complex and unique string. Remember to change both your Wi-Fi password (the string guests type in to access your network) as well as your router administrator password (the one you enter to log into the administration console--these two may sometimes be the same). Andrés suggests that you change your passwords to something completely unique--no pet names--then write them down on a piece of paper and tape it to your router for safekeeping.

Change Your SSID



Enable WPA2 Encryption

If possible, you should always encrypt your network traffic using WPA2 encryption, which offers better security than the older WEP and WPA technologies. If you have to choose between multiple versions of WPA2-- like WPA2 Personal or WPA2 Enterprise--always pick the setting most appropriate for your network. Unless you’re setting up a large-scale business network with a RADIUS server, you’ll want to stick with WPA2 Personal encryption.

Enable MAC Filtering



If you’re using Mac OS X, open System Preferences and Click Network. From there, Select "Wi-Fi" from the list in the left-hand column ("Airport" in Snow Leopard or earlier), then click "Advanced..." in the lower left, then look for the "Airport ID" or "Wi-Fi ID”. If you need to find the MAC address of a more limited device like a printer or smartphone, check the manual to determine where that data is listed.


Limit DHCP Leases To Your Devices


Tally how many WiFi-capable devices you have in your home, then find the DHCP settings page in your router administrator console and update the number of “client leases” available to the number of devices you own, plus one for guests.

Block WAN Requests



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