Why You Should Disable WPS on Your Router
Your router is the gateway to your home or business network. The router settings determine how secure that gateway really is. One common feature, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), is designed to make connecting devices easier. But in reality, it can leave your network wide open to attack.
What Is WPS?
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature found on many routers that simplifies the process of connecting devices to your network. Instead of typing a long password, you can either press a button on your router (called Push Button Connect) or enter an 8-digit PIN to connect a device automatically.
How Hackers Exploit WPS
The biggest weakness lies in the WPS PIN method. The PIN is an 8-digit number, but the last digit is just a checksum so only 7 digits need to be guessed. Even worse, routers check the first and second halves of the PIN separately. That means an attacker only needs to guess the first 4 digits, get confirmation, then guess the next 3 digits. This dramatically reduces the possible combinations, making a brute-force attack much faster.
A hacker can use freely available tools to automatically try PIN combinations against your router until they find the correct one. Once they have the PIN, they can retrieve your Wi-Fi password and join your network. This attack can be done from outside your home or office if your Wi-Fi signal reaches that far.
Other WPS Risks
– Physical access abuse: Anyone with access to your router can press the WPS button to instantly connect.
–Bypassing strong passwords: WPS lets attackers skip typing your secure Wi-Fi password entirely.
–Known exploits: WPS weaknesses have been documented for years, and cracking tools are widely available.
How to Disable WPS
– Log in to your router’s admin interface (check your router’s label or manual for instructions).
–Locate the WPS setting(usually under Wireless or Wi-Fi Security).
–Turn WPS off and save changes.
–Reboot your router to ensure the change takes effect.
Better Ways to Connect Devices
Instead of WPS, connect new devices by manually selecting your network and entering your Wi-Fi password. For smart home or IoT devices just follow the manufacturer’s secure setup method. If typing a long password is a challenge then store it in a password manager for quick copy-paste access.
The Bottom Line
WPS trades security for convenience. That convenience is not worth the risk. Disabling WPS removes a well-known attack vector and ensures that every device joining your network must authenticate with your secure password.
Not sure if your router is secure? Odin Cyber Defense can review your network settings and recommend changes that protect your data.
Scan. Secure. Shield.