Secure your Wi-Fi: password, WPA3 and unknown devices

By The SpeedFibre team, updated . 3 min read.

Secure your Wi-Fi: password, WPA3 and unknown devices
In short Change the router's and Wi-Fi's default passwords, use WPA2 or WPA3, turn off WPS, check the list of connected devices and create a guest network for visitors. Open or weak Wi-Fi can slow your connection and expose your data.
Contents
  1. Step 1: open the router interface
  2. Step 2: change the passwords
  3. Step 3: choose the right encryption
  4. Step 4: turn off WPS
  5. Step 5: check connected devices
  6. Step 6: create a guest network
  7. Step 7: update the router
  8. Security and speed

Poorly protected Wi-Fi is a risk for your data and a common cause of slowness: a neighbour downloading on your connection can saturate your line. Here is how to lock your network.

Step 1: open the router interface

The admin interface opens in a browser at a local address shown on the router label or in its guide (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). The default credentials are also on the label. Some providers offer an app that does the same.

Step 2: change the passwords

  • Router admin password: replace the default one, otherwise any connected device could change your settings.
  • Wi-Fi password: at least 12 characters, mixing words, numbers and symbols. A phrase that is easy to remember but hard to guess works well.
  • Avoid your name, phone number or date of birth.

Step 3: choose the right encryption

ModeSecurityAdvice
Open (none)NoneNever
WEPObsolete, breakableNever
WPA2-PSK (AES)GoodAcceptable minimum
WPA3BetterChoose it if all your devices support it
Mixed WPA2/WPA3GoodCompromise for older devices

Step 4: turn off WPS

WPS lets devices connect at the push of a button or with an 8-digit code. Convenient, but it has long been a security weakness. Turn it off if you do not use it.

Step 5: check connected devices

The router's "connected devices" page lists each device. If you see unknown names, change the Wi-Fi password: every device will be disconnected and you reconnect only your own.

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Step 6: create a guest network

A guest network gives visitors internet access without access to your devices (printer, cameras, shared files). Change its password from time to time.

Step 7: update the router

Updates fix security holes. Most routers update automatically after a restart.

Security and speed

After securing your network, run a speed test again: if a neighbour was using your connection, the difference can be clear, especially in the evening. For more on performance, read improving your Wi-Fi.

#WiFi#WiFiDiagnosis#Ping

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Does hiding the Wi-Fi name (SSID) protect it?

Very little. A hidden network is still detectable with simple tools. A strong password and WPA2/WPA3 are far more effective.

How do I know if a neighbour uses my Wi-Fi?

Check the list of connected devices in the router interface or your provider's app.

Is MAC filtering useful?

It adds a hurdle but can be bypassed. It does not replace a good password.

The SpeedFibre team Guides written and reviewed by a telecom engineer specialised in fibre optics (FTTH), with more than 8 years of hands-on network maintenance and measurement. Editorial policy.

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