How to Set a Strong Wireless Internet Password

When setting up your wireless Internet, you will come to a page that prompts you to set up an Internet password. These passwords are often graded these days into Weak, Average or Strong. These grades indicate how secure the password is. Weak passwords are liable to be easily broken, so creating a strong Internet password is important to protect your wireless Internet access.

Step 1 - Changing the Default

Wireless software often comes with an Internet password which is set by the wireless Internet manufacturer. These are universal passwords that, if unchanged, will allow unauthorised persons to access your Internet connection. As these Internet passwords are well known in computing, you should always change that password to a stronger one.

Step 2 - Creating a Strong Password

Strong passwords often have:

• At least 8 characters
• One or more numbers
• Upper and lower cases
• One or more non-alpha-numeric symbols

A strong Internet password will also avoid using words which appear in dictionaries (hackers often have dictionary programs that can break words in any language). Avoid using passwords that can be easily guessed by hackers, for example your own name, or the address of your house.

Step 3 - Keep Password Safe

Once you have created your Internet password, do not share it with anyone. Try to memorize it, rather than writing it down. In order to keep your Internet password strong, change it at least twice a year.