Manage your home network security
Your security is Verizon’s top priority. Failure to protect your home network can result in possible identity theft, hacking of your personal information or malicious software infecting your devices. Below are tips on how to improve your home network security.
Managing your security software
Updating your security software is an essential part of maintaining your home network security. Make sure you have the latest update to your internet security software. Learn more about Internet Security.
Managing your credentials
Your router comes completely secured with a default username and password. Current credentials can be found on the Router. You can also personalize your credentials. Learn how to change your Wi-Fi name or password.
Home network security checklist
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Change router login password
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To change your router’s password using a device connected to your home network:
- Open an internet browser and go to https://192.168.1.1
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Login to your router with the router’s admin password
- The router name is admin. You can find the default router administrator password on your router label
- Replace the current admin password with a new one that’s strong and easy for you to remember. Follow your router on-screen or user guide detailed instructions
If you changed your router password previously and don’t remember it, you will need to reset your router to factory default settings. Learn how to reset your router.
For additional help, use our Guided Solution Tool to configure your router and more.
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Change Wi-Fi password
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If you have a Fios Quantum Gateway or Fios Advanced router, then your home router came with a unique Wi-Fi name and a strong password and you can find them on the label of your router.
For all other routers, you should make sure you change your Wi-Fi name and use a strong password to protect your home Wi-Fi.
Set up a strong password to protect your Wi-Fi network by picking a long, unique mix of numbers, letters and symbols. Your password should be 12 or more characters.
Learn how to change your Wi-Fi name or password.
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Check your router location
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You can reduce the risk of the signals from your wireless router reaching your neighbors by placing your router near the center of your home. Wireless signals from your router may reach up to 150 feet in typical homes and up to 300 feet in open spaces.
Also, many routers have the ability to turn down the broadcast power which would make it harder for someone to pick up your Wi-Fi. Refer to the advanced settings in your router’s user guide for details.
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Turn off your Wi-Fi when not in use
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If you’re going on vacation or you’re going to be gone for an extended period, you may want to consider turning off or unplugging the power cord to your home router while you’re gone. This will prevent access to your network.
Learn how to turn off home Wi-Fi.
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Turn on firewalls
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A firewall is a security feature designed to help protect your computer and personal data from unauthorized access and alert you to immediate threats.
Your router has a built-in firewall that will help protect your entire network from outside attacks. Make auto activate if it's not automatic.
Turn on the firewall that comes with your computer's operating system to enable protection on your computer or devices.
Antivirus software, like Verizon’s Internet Security also include firewall protection.
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Turn off Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS)
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WPS allows you to quickly and easily connect your Wi-Fi router to your devices. There are different methods to connect the router with WPS.
The Push Button Method:
- Push the WPS button on your router. After two minutes, push the button on your device and you will be connected
The Pin Method:
- Your home router has a label with an eight digit WPS PIN printed on it. Enter that PIN into your devices to establish your Wi-Fi connection
Note: Anyone with physical access to your router can utilize WPS and gain access to your network with this option even if you have encryption turned on. To prevent that access you can turn off WPS.
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