Access Router Settings to Find a Password, Change Network Names and Passwords – Set Basic Cyber Security Access
Routers and other hardware are commonly configured with default usernames and passwords. If you leave your router set with those logins, then anyone who has this information can easily hack into your router and steal your sensitive information like credit cards, banking information, and logins to other accounts.
When you buy a new router, the default settings typically show a WiFi network named for the router model. For example, I just bought a LINKSYS WRT 3200ACM dual band router. When it was initially set up, we had a network that was named Linksys02871. We know that all LINKSYS routers have a username of “admin” which cannot be changed. They also all have a factory set password which is aptly an insecurely equal to “password.” That’s a lot if information to know about a private network and a good place for any casual hacker to work their way into your network.
So, you can see how easy it is to hack this router. I changed the password to the router, renamed both WiFi networks, and changed the factory set passwords for both. I also shut off the guest networks and changed some of the band settings, but that is a speed setting.
If you changed the router password and want to change security settings, then you will have to use another method to recover the login information.
How Do I Access my Router?
Routers can be accessed from a device that is already connected to one of its networks. Typically, users access router settings from a locally connected device, but if the router is capable it may be accessed from a remote location. Router settings can be viewed and configured using any web browser if you have the login information.
How Do I Log In to My Router?
- Open a web browser like Chrome or Safari
- In the web browser address bar, go to the routers IP address. The address is found in the user manual. If you don’t know the address, try common addresses like http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1
- Enter the router username if prompted. Not all routers logins ask for the username
- Enter the router password
Routers are set with factory default settings. If you don’t know the password, then you must look it up online, consult documentation, or try to hack it. It might even be written on the router itself. If you have not changed those security settings, then taking a few guesses at common default settings might help you access it.
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Try admin as the username. This should work for LINKSYS, NETGEAR, and ASUS routers. Try using “password” in the password field. This may not work for LINKSYS, but it can work for other routers.
Default Usernames and Passwords are a Cyber Security Risk
This is how you make it easy for hackers. Because hardware like routers are shipped with default settings that can easily be found on the internet, it is imperative that you change these default usernames and passwords.
Where is the Password on a Router?
Your router it came with a factory set username and password. If you never changed the password that came with the router, you can find it in the documentation, on the router packaging, and sometimes on the back of the router near the serial number. It’s probably online too. Look for the password in the router’s manual or on the box.
How to Access Your Router If You Forget the Password
Often, you can often find the default username and password by searching the internet for the manufacturer and model number. Some router manufacturers do not allow you to change the username. For example, LINKSYS routers have a default username of “admin” and do not let you change that, which is a serious cyber security vulnerability.
Disable Router Guest Networks
Many routers can have one or two guest networks – one for each band. If you have lost your router or WiFi password, you can use the guest network to connect to the internet and search for manufacturer information. Guest networks are useful to segregate visitors’ web traffic and keep them from accessing shared storage devices, other computers on the home network, or accessing printers. They are not setup with a password.
After using it to find your router password, to improve the security of your WiFi network, disable the guest networks if you don’t need them.
What is My Router Admin Password?
When you buy a new router, like a NETGEAR or ASUS, it is configured with factory default settings. The factory default user name is “admin” and the default password is “password” Because these are commonly known and can be found online and in documentation, they should be changed to secure your router.
How to Restore Default Router Settings
If you cannot find your router password, then you can rest it back to factory default settings. To restore a router to default settings, locate the reset button on the router. It is usually on the back or bottom of the router and probably a small, recessed button. Push and hold it for 30 seconds to one minute.
