People think it takes a Computer Science degree to secure your router, well they are wrong! Many routers that are for home or small business use have “wizards” that will help you do it or you can just follow some of these simple tips:

1. Change your administrator password for your router! Most default passwords that are given during the assembly of the router are commonly found on help sites on the web hence “admin” is not a good one! Make the password something other than what you are using on your home PC.

2.Routers have a feature called “MAC Filtering”. The MAC is a code that is burned into the actual chip of the network card on your computer. This MAC address is usually available in the Network Settings section of your Operating System. You can configure this filter to allow only devices you list in that MAC list. That way only your devices have access. The nice thing about this setting, although it is bit more involved, it secures the wireless as well.

3.Rename your router. In areas that are likely to have multiple routers (like apartment buildings) it will make it easier to find your connection during setup and sets you apart from the crowd.

4.Configure your wireless settings! If you are using wireless, make sure to choose a security protocol (like WEP or WPA) and get a password set up. If you don’t, you will get people hooking up on your network and stealing the connections you are paying for and making your system run slower on the web.

5.Run spyware scans. A lot of people overlook the security hazards out there. Small programs that can be planted to take over your system. If they can get to your system, they are on your network.

Hopefully these tips will help you keep your data and router safe from unwanted visitors.