There are different encryption methods available when connecting and using a WiFi network. We know WEP, WPA, WPA2 ... but WPS? Do not? Well, we must know what it is and how it works to protect our wireless network correctly.
The security of wireless networks has evolved and improved greatly since the implementation of WPA encryption, and above all, WPA2. By configuring our network to use WPA2 encryption, we know that our network uses a secure encryption method, but ... who has not been seen in the following situation? You get home with your newly purchased laptop and when you are configuring it to have access to your wireless network ... you don't remember what the network access password is. What was the password? Have you changed it lately? Do you have it listed somewhere? And if you don't remember it ... do you have the router's IP address and credentials to connect to its administration page and find out? What a mess, right?
In addition to WiFi security, the functions that wireless routers incorporate have also evolved in order to make our lives more comfortable. And with this idea in mind, the most current routers incorporate a new functionality called WPS or WiFi Protected Setup.
WPS is a mechanism created to facilitate the connection of devices to our WiFi. There are several methods by which a device can join a wireless network using WPS but the most widespread and which in turn is the one used in home networks, is the exchange of PIN. The device must transmit a numerical code to the router and in return the latter sends the data to access the network.
That is, if our router has WPS functionality enabled and we want to access our WiFi, we simply have to send an 8-digit PIN code so that the router allows us to access the wireless network. Usually, this PIN code is written at the bottom, but there are alternative ways to find out.
The disadvantage of this functionality is that it offers a new option for a cybercriminal interested in accessing a wireless network, since the time that the cybercriminal needs to find out an 8-digit PIN is much less than what he needs to find out the WPA2 password configured on the network.
To keep our WiFi network secure, we must give up the convenience of connecting through this utility and enter the WPA2 password every time we want to connect a new device to our network.
To deactivate it we must access the configuration page of our router:
- The default access address is usually 192.168.1.1
- Enter the username and password. If we have not changed them, they are usually written on the back of the router and in the device manual, although it is highly recommended to change the credentials by default.
- And disable the WPS option.
These steps are valid for most devices but may vary depending on the router model used.
Once the WPS functionality is deactivated, the correct thing would be to change the WPA / WPA2 password and we can also take the opportunity to change the default username and password.
Now you can use your WiFi with complete peace of mind!