Lesson 16 of 19 · About 4 minutes
Free lesson: secure home Wi-Fi
Learn the concept.
Still admin/admin? Change it today. Your router connects your home to the internet. A few settings help keep its control panel, software, and wireless network better protected.
Two passwords. Two different doors.
Still admin/admin? Change it today.
- Router admin password
Protects changing settings, including the Wi-Fi password.
- Wi-Fi password
Protects joining the wireless network.
Read the visualDoes a new Wi-Fi password replace the admin password?
No. They are separate credentials with different purposes.
Two passwords protect different doors
The router admin password lets you change its settings. The Wi-Fi password lets devices join the wireless network. Some routers have shared default admin logins published in manuals or online; others have unique credentials on a sticker or require setup. Follow your maker’s instructions and replace any shared default admin password with a long, unique one. Do not reuse the Wi-Fi password.
Let security fixes reach the router
Firmware is the software inside your router. Turn on automatic updates where supported and complete any required restart. If your internet provider manages the router, ask how it receives updates. Check the manufacturer’s support status. A device that no longer receives security fixes should be replaced with a supported model; a new password cannot patch old software flaws.
Choose modern Wi-Fi protection
Use WPA3-Personal when the router and your devices support it. Otherwise, WPA2-Personal with AES encryption is a reasonable fallback. Avoid WEP, old WPA, and TKIP. Set a long, unique Wi-Fi password. This protects the wireless connection; it does not guarantee every website or connected device is trustworthy.
Keep the settings panel close to home
Turn off remote administration or remote management from the internet unless you have a specific, well-protected need. Use the manufacturer’s official instructions or your provider’s app, not a link in an unexpected message. The FBI’s end-of-life router advisory recommends updates, disabling remote administration, and replacing unsupported models.
Put it in context
This fictional router supports WPA3, but its admin password is still “admin,” automatic firmware updates are off, and Wi-Fi is set to WPA2-AES. Fix those three settings in Try. Its Wi-Fi password is already long and remote administration is already off, so you can focus on the three changes.
Make a decision.
Explore the practice space, then answer the check-in below. A correct answer lets you save this lesson to your progress.
PRACTICE · FICTIONAL SCENARIO
Give this router a fresh start.
In this fictional router, replace the default admin password, enable automatic updates, and choose WPA3. This model supports WPA3; WPA2-AES is a fallback for compatible older equipment.
Enable JavaScript to try the controls. This practice does not change real settings or submit personal information.
Take this with you.
Replace the default admin password, enable automatic updates, and use WPA3 with a long Wi-Fi password. Use WPA2-AES if WPA3 is not supported.
Next lesson: Free lesson: charge safely- Change the router admin password.
- Turn on automatic updates.
- Use WPA3 and a long Wi-Fi password; WPA2-AES is the fallback.
Also disable remote administration and replace a router when its maker stops providing security updates.
See it in a Short.
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