How to Change Router Password
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Hmmm
, The only way they would access your routers setup would be to be connected to the wireless or wired network.
Shadowjk, I am almost paranoid when it comes to security. Assuming that "OK, no one can crack my WPA key so I do not need to protect the access to the router itself" does not work with me.
To start, anyone with an Ethernet cable and access to my house could connect to my router and edit its information and credentials. I am not saying I believe my cleaning lady would do that but I do not want to give her the opportunity in the first place. Also, today is quite normal to grant access to your home network for your guests and visitors. When my family for instance visits from Finland, I do not only allow them to use my network with their own devices but I also have a PC set up in guest room for this purpose. Although I know all my overnight guests (I do not grant network access to occasional visitors), I do not want to take any risks. No nosy teenager nephew will ever log in to my router's web interface to make a practical joke.
That's why in my case I have a strong WPA2 password on my wireless network, and evenly strong password for my router which only I know. Additionally I use MAC filtering and when a need arises (like the overnight visitors I mentioned), I temporarily allow the Guest access.
Kari
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If only everyone took security as seriously as you
I don't think people understand the risks that it can pose. Not only the fact that 'oh, they can use my internet and rack up usage charges' but also it only takes a packet sniffing program like Wire-shark and they could potentially capture broadcast packets and essentially reconstruct the website you are viewing on their machine. One of my mates at college had his bank account emptied because someone managed to capture his credentials via his WiFi. The stereotypical white van with satellites on it outside your house is more real then some may think!
Josh :)
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As I said, I changed the router's setup password last night, then changed the logon password (again). So far, the *&^%$#@! hasn't gotten in so it's a matter of hurry up and wait. Btw, my security is WPA2-PSK.
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That's all anyway one can do really, a good long and strong password with WPA2. Mac filtering is easily bypassed so a waste of time. WPA networks can still be hacked, but the time and effort involved is not worth it for some free Internet so I would consider it safe as long as a decent password is use.
If you are concerned about security other things you could are check upnp and wps.
To see if upnp is enabled on your router go to
upnp-check.rapid7.com and run a scan. ( no need to download anything)
If its enabled you should try and disable in the router.
To check wps, you'll have to log into your router and check manually.
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I thought I checked for upnp a while back but I ran the check again just now and everything is fine.
I don't understand what you are saying about WPS. I thought the only way anyone can access the router through WPS it is to be able to press the button on the router.
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With a wps enabled router, they are easily hacked and hackers can get your password using a tool called reaver. Lookup 'wps hack reaver' on google.
I always make sure upnp and wps are disabled whenever I get a new router just to be safe.
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I'm very reluctant to disable WPS since it's the only way I can get my printer to linkup to it. I'm keeping an eye on the monitoring program I'm using and if changing passwords doesn't keep the *&^%$#@! out, I may have to resort to disabling WPS and connect my printer to the computer via a UPS cable (and what a royal pain that will be).
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Well, it appears I've finally dislodged the *&^%$#@! hitchhiker. S/he normally has gotten on by now and there's been no sign of the low-life. Thanks for all the help.
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Glad you got them straightened out! Keep an eye on it though.
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...Keep an eye on it though.
No worries about that. I have Wireless Network Watcher running full time now.