Technology

How to Secure Your Netgear Extender’s WiFi Network?

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By Kaleem Ullah

Have you ever wondered how unauthorized users can get into your extender’s WiFi network and steal your personal data? If the answer to this question is no, it is high time to secure your WiFi network. In this article, we will reveal the best methods to protect your extender’s network. Let’s get started.

That said, those who are searching for important phone number search of friends, loved ones or acquaintances may have a hard time finding the phone numbers they are looking for. Due to the need many residents have to protect their number from prank callers and sellers, they have also hidden themselves from acquaintances or loved ones looking for a way to contact them.

Essentials to Secure Your Extender’s WiFi Network

Before we discuss the ways to secure your extender’s WiFi network, keep a check on the following things :

  • There should be a stable connection between the extender and router.

  • Make sure you have a blazing-fast internet connection.

  • Use the correct web address or IP address to log in to your extender.

  • Also, fill in the correct login credentials of your Netgear extender.

Ways to Secure Netgear Extender’s WiFi Network

1: Update the Firmware of Extender

Netgear generally releases the firmware of the extenders to improve their performance. Updating the firmware also helps in increasing the security of your extender. Therefore, it is recommended to update the firmware of your Netgear extender. If you have no idea about how to do it, follow the instructions given below:

  • Power up your Netgear extender by plugging it into a working wall socket.

  • Once the LED light becomes stable, establish a connection between your extender and router.

  • Turn on your PC and open a web browser of your preference.

  • Log in to your extender with the default login credentials.

  • As soon as the Basic Home screen appears, go to the Settings option.

  • Click on the Firmware update option to update the firmware of your extender.

Note: You can also update the firmware of your Netgear extender using the Netgear Nighthawk app.

2: Change the Default Password

You can also secure your extender’s WiFi network by changing its default password. Changing the login password will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your network and steal your personal data.

Follow these step-by-step guidelines to change the default login password of your Netgear extender:

  • Log in to your extender by accessing the extender login page.

  • Go to the Advanced option.

  • Select Administration and then click the Set Password option.

  • Enter the new password and click on the Apply button.

3: Hide Your Extender’s Network Name

Unauthorized users can easily connect to your WiFi as it is visible to everyone. Therefore, nothing can be more secure than hiding your extender’s network name. By doing so, you’ll be able to secure your extender’s network from unauthorized users. Follow the below-mentioned steps to hide your extender’s network name:

  • Log in to your extender by accessing the mywifiext page.

  • As soon as you log in to your extender, the Netgear Genie setup wizard will appear.

  • On the Netgear Genie setup wizard, go to the WiFi Settings menu.

  • Uncheck the Broadcast this network name option for 2.4GHz.

  • Do the same for 5GHz.

  • Once done, click the Save button.

Your Netgear extender’s SSID will no longer be visible to anyone. Thus, no one can access it.

4: Create a Guest Network

If you share your WiFi password with every second visitor coming to your house, then your WiFi network will no longer be secure. You never know who will share your WiFi password with someone else. Therefore, creating a guest network for all your guests might be an appropriate solution to secure your extender’s WiFi network.

5: Disable Remote Access

If you have enabled the remote access feature for your Netgear extender, then it is time to disable it. Most WiFi networks are hacked due to this feature enabled on their extenders. The remote access feature allows access to your extender from any corner of this world, but it can cause security issues too.  Thus, it is advised to temporarily disable the remote access feature on your device to secure your Netgear WiFi network from unauthorized users.

Summing Up

Internet is a prime need today. People setup Netgear extender in their homes to cater to the need for seamless internet, but protecting the extender’s WiFi network is most important. With the aforementioned methods, you can increase the security of your Netgear extender’s WiFi network and prevent unauthorized users from accessing it.