Have you ever thought how many unknown users are keeping an eye on your WiFi network? Did you even know that such a thing (network intruding) exists? Well, alas! This is a bitter truth!
Though users generally consider to secure their WiFi home router, they often forget about their WiFi range extender. The fact is there are multiple vulnerabilities related to wireless connectivity that even the smallest risk on your WiFi traffic can cause considerable damage. Provided that the data gets transferred via radio waves, so it is accessible to hijackers. As a result, your personal data is not safe.
Talking about highly-advanced Netgear WiFi extenders, they include amazing features such as WPA2 support as well as WPS buttons. Best of all, it is extremely easy to setup WiFi extender for your home. However, if you don't make use of these fabulous features, everything is vain.
Netgear range extenders give you the ability to create a secure connection but you need to activate it on your own. Given that all Netgear WiFi extenders vary on the basis of their usage and price, you will need to look up in the quick start manual of your extender to see what security features it includes.
Without further ado, let's get to know how to improve your WiFi extender security. Read on.
Security Measures For WiFi Extender
Configure Netgear Extender With WPA or WPA2 Security
If truth be told, this is very important for all WiFi connections. WPA and WPA2 are advanced security encryptions. Both are superior, newer, and easier-to-use as compared to WEP encryption with the latest security protocols. That's why it is essential that your WiFi range extender provides support for WPA and WPA2 security encryptions.
Basically, these technologies encrypt the transferred data, making it impossible for anyone to monitor your network traffic.
Fortunately, most Netgear WiFi range extenders support WPA and WPA2 security. Essentially, when you set up your wireless extender, it is configured with WEP encryption. You can change it to WPA or WPA2 encryption by following the steps given below:
- Open your preferred web browser on a PC.
- Head over to mywifiext web address.
- Provide your username and password to log in to the extender.
- Once logged in, click on the Wireless Settings option.
- Here, you can set up security password for WPA or WPA2 encryption.
Note: While setting up your WiFi range extender, it is highly recommended to change the default login details. Select a passphrase that is easy to remember for you but difficult to guess for others.
Update the Extender's Firmware
One of the best WiFi range extender security recommendations is to always keep your extender's firmware up to date. Newer firmware versions are always superior because they come with improved features, bug fixes, and various security updates. In simple words, an updated firmware enhances the stability, performance, and functionality of your device.
Follow the steps below to update your Netgear range extender's firmware:
- Open any web browser on your computer.
- Access the extender login portal.
- Input the asked username and password into the provided empty boxes.
- Once the basic home screen displays, click on the Firmware Update option.
- If you find any new firmware available for your extender, update that immediately.