{"id":5862,"date":"2023-03-03T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esecurityplanet.com\/2011\/02\/14\/upgrading-wi-fi-security-from-wep-to-wpa2\/"},"modified":"2023-04-04T18:20:39","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T18:20:39","slug":"upgrading-wi-fi-security-from-wep-to-wpa2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.esecurityplanet.com\/networks\/upgrading-wi-fi-security-from-wep-to-wpa2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Configure a Router to Use WPA2 in 7 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of us connect our mobile devices to a Wi-Fi router for internet access, but this connection can leave our network<\/a> and data vulnerable to cyber threats. To protect against those threats, a Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption protocol is recommended. And even though it’s been around since 2004, WPA2 remains the Wi-Fi security standard.<\/p>\n

WPA2 is a security protocol that secures wireless networks<\/a> using the advanced encryption standard (AES). The protocol protects your incoming and outgoing internet traffic and makes it difficult for cyber criminals to intercept your data or hack your device. If implemented and configured properly, WPA2 is stronger and more resistant to potential attacks than predecessor technologies like WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA.<\/p>\n

Although WPA3 has been around for five years, its uptake remains less than 1%<\/a>. WEP and WPA are both under 4%, while WPA2 commands a 73% share of known wireless encryption connections.<\/p>\n

Older routers and devices may not support WPA2, but if your devices support it, upgrading to WPA2 is a fairly simple process.<\/p>\n

7 Steps to Configure Your Router for WPA2<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Log Into Your Router Console<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Navigate to the Router Security Panel<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Select Encryption Option<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Set Your Network Password<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Save Changes<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Reboot<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Log In<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Also read:<\/strong> Wireless Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 Explained<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

    Step 1: Log Into Your Router Console<\/h2>\n

    Using the browser of your choice, log into the admin console of your home router. The exact method for doing this may vary depending on your router manufacturer. You can refer to your Router Manual for more details. However, the most common method is to enter http:\/\/192.168.1.1 into the browser address bar and press ENTER; http:\/\/10.0.0.1\/ is another common router IP address.<\/p>\n

    If those don’t work, you can type “cmd” into the search bar of your Windows machine to call up the command line interface, then type “ipconfig” and hit enter; the address will be under Default Gateway. On a Mac, you might find it in the TCP\/IP tab of Advanced Network settings in System Preferences, while in Linux you’ll find it under Connection Information after clicking on the network icon.<\/p>\n

    The typical username and password for Wi-Fi routers is “admin” for both, but you may need to search online or contact your ISP if that doesn’t work. And while you’re in there, update that password to something a little less hackable, possibly saving the new one in a password manager<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    As long as you’re in there, you should look around and address any security warnings; perhaps your firewall security setting is too low, for example.<\/p>\n

    Step 2: Navigate to the Router Security Panel<\/h2>\n

    The next step is to navigate to the Wireless > Security menu option, which may vary depending on the router. Check your router manufacturer\u2019s website or manual for specific instructions, or just navigate your way around until you find it. Here’s a screenshot of one route and settings:<\/p>\n

    \"wi-fi
    Wi-Fi router admin dashboard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Step 3: Select Encryption Option<\/h2>\n

    Select the encryption option WPA2-PSK. If this option is not available, you may need to upgrade the router firmware.<\/p>\n

    Note that some routers also offer a WPA2-Enterprise setting, which is designed for corporate environments. Your router may not offer WPA3, and even if it does, all your devices might not be compatible.<\/p>\n

    Step 4: Set Your Network Password<\/h2>\n

    Create a strong network password that meets the following requirements:<\/p>\n