Linksys router: sign in and lock it down
Plain steps for Linksys routers: sign in at myrouter.local, change the router password and turn off UPnP.
This page is for people with a Linksys router. Menu names change from one model and software version to the next. If yours does not match, look for the words in bold, or search the maker's support site for your model number. You can always call your internet company instead.
Sign in
Open a web browser on a device connected to your Linksys Wi-Fi and type myrouter.local or 192.168.1.1. Older models may use myrouter.info. Some Linksys routers are run from the Linksys app instead.
Change the admin password
Go to Connectivity, then the Basic tab. Press Edit next to the router (admin) password, enter the new one, and press Apply. Older Linksys models used admin as the factory password, so change it if you have not.
Turn off remote access
On Smart Wi-Fi models, go to Connectivity and the Administration tab. Make sure the option that allows remote access to the router is not ticked.
Turn off UPnP
Go to Connectivity, then the Administration tab, untick the UPnP box, and press Apply. More about UPnP.
Check the port forwarding list
On Smart Wi-Fi routers, go to Router Settings, then Security, then the Apps and Gaming tab. Delete anything you did not set up on purpose. If you are not sure what an address in that list is, see Which device is this?
Keep it updated
Linksys recommends turning on automatic firmware updates. Look for it in the app or under Connectivity. Is my router too old?
What we checked
Linksys's own best-practices page was read directly, but it covers the LN1100 and LN1200 only. Other Linksys models are similar, so use these steps as a guide and look for the same words.
More
See the full router checklist, how to sign in to any router, or signs a router has been hacked.
Not comfortable doing this? That is okay.
You do not have to do this alone. You can ask a family member, call your internet company, or take your router to a local computer repair shop. Take your time and ask for help instead of guessing.
Want a professional to look at it? Frequency 42 is the company that makes Network Check, and it offers IT help. You can email support@frequency42.com and ask whether they can help with this.
Then check again
Run the free check again after you make a change.
Run the free check