One of the worst things that can happen to any Internet user is having their router password changed without their knowledge. This occurs when someone tries to break into your network to access your data without your knowledge.
In other cases, a disgruntled employee who wants to cause you some grief can also tamper with your router password. In any case, it's essential to know how to change your router password so that you can safeguard your network.
Here is a step-by-step guide for changing your router's password.
Why Should You Change Your Router Password?
Changing your router password is an essential security measure that you must take to protect your network. Here are some of the reasons why you should change your router password;
1. To prevent hacking
Every router comes with a default password set during the manufacturing process. The problem is that most people keep this very same password and never change it. This makes it easy for hackers to break into your network and access all its connected devices.
2. Prevent unauthorized users from using your internet
By default, most routers broadcast their Wi-Fi signal in every direction. While this may not seem like a problem, the truth is that anyone can connect to your network if they are within range of it. If you don't change the default password, then anyone in the area can log into your router and use your Wi-Fi connection as if it were their own.
When the router is new, it bears the default username and password from the manufacturer. And in most cases, all routers have the same user name and password, “admin.” Thus, the first thing you should do when you get a new router changes the default password. This will help ensure that your network is as secure as possible.
How to Change Your Router Password
Changing your router password is a pretty simple process. However, this may vary depending on the router that you are using. Below are the basic steps you can take to get started;
Step 1: Launch your favorite web browser on your computer. On the address bar, key in the default IP address of your router and tap the Enter key.
In most cases, the default IP address is 168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If neither of the two IP addresses will lead you to a login window, the default IP addresses are wrong. Some routers come with their specific IP addresses.
Step 2: Look on the side or bottom of the router to obtain the manufacturer's default IP address. Its denoted as either an “access URL” or an IP address. Re-key in the IP address, press Enter and a login page will load.
Step 3: Sign in as an administrator on the login windows by keying in your router's username and password. Use admin as username and password. It's the default username and password for most routers (even hackers know this, so you should change it).
If these login details don't work, check the bottom or backside of the router for a description sticker, you'll find the default login information there. If you cannot log in using the default login details, you will have to factory reset the router.
Find the reset button on the router's backside and long-press it for 10 to 30 seconds. Depending on the router model, you may need a safety pin to press the reset button if it's recessed into the router. Once you reset it, use the login details found on the sticker to log into your router's admin interface.
Step 4: Once you log in, navigate to the Security settings page and change the administrator credentials. These credentials include the router user name and password; the latter is the most important.
To create a new password, you must key in the old password first, so make sure you can access it. To safeguard your router from hackers, create a strong password.
Step 5: After making your changes, scroll downwards and click Save to save your new router password.
- Note: Your router password is not similar to your Wi-Fi password. The router password is the key you will need to access your router's admin interface. On the other hand, your Wi-Fi password is the security key you need to input into your wireless devices to access your internet. As a security concern, do not use set-up the two passwords to be the same; that is, your router password should be different from the Wi-Fi password.
Tips for Creating a Strong Router Password
When creating a new password for your router, the goal is to make the password as difficult to guess as possible. Here are some tips to help you create a strong password that is difficult to hack;
1. Don't use obvious passwords
Choose a unique password that is not easy to guess. Avoid using the names of your children or pets, birthdays, street addresses, or phone numbers in your passwords.
Similarly, do not use the same password for your router on other online accounts. If someone manages to hack your router, they will likely try this password on your online accounts, including email and social media sites.
2. Use a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
This is one of the best ways to prevent your password from being hacked. When creating your password, use special characters such as $, ! &, @, or %. Such characters make it much more difficult for hackers to guess your password. Ensure the unique password is easy for you to remember.
3. Create a long password
An essential tip for creating a strong password is to make it lengthy. The longer the passwords, the more difficult it is to crack. In addition, it is best not to use just one word as your password. Instead, try putting together some words together with numbers and special characters.
4. Do not use repeating characters
Any character that repeats, such as “aaaaaa” or “555555,” is easy to crack. You might think that using the same character repeatedly will make it harder to hack, but hackers see repeating characters as a welcome invitation.
5. Please change your password regularly
The longer you use the same password, the higher the risk that criminals can hack it. Therefore, change your router password regularly, just like any other password.
That way, if someone has gained access to your network, they will no longer be able to get in after you have changed the password. You might consider changing your password after every two or three months to stay on the safe side.
FAQs
Q. Is the default router password safe?
The default router password is not inherently safe. Hackers can use it to hack your network. Therefore, it is advisable to change your router password as soon as you set up your network.
Q. Should I change my router name and password?
You may not need to change your default router name, but you need to change the default password. Most routers' default password “admin” is not strong enough to protect your network from hackers. Cybercriminals can use the default login information to access your router and steal your personal information.
Q. What is the default password for my router?
Most routers have ”admin” as the default password set during the manufacturing process. However, the default password can vary from router to router. You can confirm your router's default password by checking the description sticker on the side or bottom of the router.
Final Thought
A router is a gateway to the internet that allows you to browse, and any simple mistake can jeopardize the safety of your information. Therefore, you need to protect your data by using a strong password for your router.
By following the tips provided in this article, you can create a password that is difficult to hack. Be sure to change your router password regularly and never use the default password that the manufacturer provides.