The need to secure a wireless connection is beyond doubt to any user. The security key serves as the main tool in performing such protection. Therefore, changing the wireless security key deserves the most serious consideration.
Necessary
Windows 7
Instructions
Step 1
Call the main menu of the Microsoft Windows operating system by clicking the "Start" button and go to the "Control Panel" item to perform the operation of configuring the security key for the wireless network.
Step 2
Enter the value "network" in the search bar field and click the "Find" button to confirm the execution of the command.
Step 3
Select "Network and Sharing Center" and go to "Set up a connection or network".
Step 4
Expand the Network Settings link and select Next to launch the Network Settings Wizard tool.
Step 5
Make sure you understand the differences between the three main encryption methods used in wireless connections: - WPA or WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) - which encrypts data exchanged between the device and the access point using a passphrase security key; - Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) - deprecated and outdated security method supported by earlier versions of equipment; - 802.1x protocol - used in corporate networks.
Step 6
Specify the desired values for the network name and security key passphrase in the corresponding fields of the Setup Wizard window that opens and apply the checkbox to the "Connect automatically" field
Step 7
Select WPA2-Personal (Recommended) from the Security Level drop-down list and select AES (Recommended) from the Encryption Type drop-down menu.
Step 8
Click the "Next" button to confirm your choice and follow the further recommendations of the wizard.
Step 9
Specify the command "Connect to a wireless network manually" and click the "Next" button if you want to use WEP encryption method.
Step 10
Use the WEP option in the "Security Type" section in the opened wireless network information dialog box and specify the required values in the appropriate fields.
Step 11
Confirm your choice by clicking the "Next" button and use the "Change connection settings" option.
Step 12
Go to the Security tab of the new dialog box and apply the check box to the General field in the Security Type group.
Step 13
Confirm your selection by clicking OK and apply the selected changes by clicking Close.
