Making your wireless network secure. Computer help and Internet setup Wifi works in safe mode

So, you have acquired a Wi-Fi router - this gives you a convenient and no less quick access to the Internet from anywhere in your house or apartment, which is already great. As a rule, most users purchase the dispensing device themselves and it happens that they hardly configure it, except perhaps only adjust the basic settings for optimal operation. However, do not forget that setting up Wi-Fi security is necessary if you do not want uninvited guests on your network and the headaches that accompany them.

Why are visitors dangerous?

If you don’t take care of properly setting certain parameters, they will connect to your network and take a decent share of the speed for themselves, they can reconfigure the router or even get to your computer if there is an interested person with certain hacking skills on the other side.

The conclusion is this: if you don’t protect yourself, sooner or later it can play a cruel joke on you; This is especially true for places where Wi-Fi can become almost public - multi-storey buildings, houses near parks, and so on.

Where to look for router settings

If you just bought the device and haven't changed anything yet, but want to at least minimally secure your wireless network, you will need to follow the steps described below.

To begin, open the browser you have on your computer. We find at the top address bar and enter the values ​​192.168.1.1. If it doesn’t work, we change the first one to zero, we get 192.168.0.1. Of course, there may be situations where the manufacturer has changed the standard address: in this case, you will find it either on the device sticker or on the box.

The next window that you will see will be for your login and password: by default this is the word admin, or again we specify it on the device sticker. By the way, the first and most primitive reason for the vulnerability is to leave standard login information on the router.

Well, now that you are already inside, the fun begins - setting up Wi-Fi security.

How to protect yourself

We will show everything with an example TP-Link modem. First of all, let’s change your login and password.

We find the menu items on the left and select “System Tools” there, and then in the submenu – the “Password” item. Here we enter the old data in the first two fields, then the new login and twice New Password. After which we just have to click on “Save”.

We continue to strengthen Wi-Fi security and change the network name or SSID. Here we go to the “ Wireless mode" and then proceed as shown in the screenshot. It is important to use the Latin alphabet and numbers in the name - we do not use the Cyrillic alphabet at all.

Some devices also have a special option - hiding the network name, so that after the first correct settings you no longer have to enter anything manually: your computer or tablet will connect automatically, and no one will be able to access the Internet without permission, even from your computer.

The third action, which is aimed at protecting your network, is changing the encryption - everything is clear here. There is no point in using WEP encryption, since it is quite outdated and has many flaws.

Here we look for “Basic settings”, then “Wireless mode” and in it the item “Wireless protection”. On the tab we recommend using WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK. Now let's save again.

Another feature that is only needed 10% of the time but creates a serious gap is WPS: we find separate tab with it and disable it, after which we save the changes again.

Now we have in turn such an aspect of Wi-Fi security as IP protection using Firewall. Of course, all computers that will be connected to the network must also have firewalls enabled and antivirus software installed.

We go to the “Security” tab, there we are interested in “ Basic protection" Here we need " Firewall SPI”, opposite which we mark the “Activate” item. This gives us another plus on the path to relative security.

As a last resort, if someone can still guess the password, there is such an option as filtering by MAC addresses– by turning it on, you can further increase the security of Wi-Fi distribution by strictly limiting access to it. In fact, only devices included in the list will be able to connect, while others will be denied entry under any conditions.

We find the “Wireless Mode” item and the “MAC Address Filtering” sub-item. Here we need to click on the “Enable” button and select “Allow”. Now at the bottom we find the “Add” button and write down the necessary addresses: do not forget to name the devices to make it easier to understand.

To find out the MAC address of your computer, just go to the “Start” menu and find the command line there, or find the “Run” item and enter cmd there: in both cases you will see a window like in the screenshot in which you need enter getmac. In the screenshot, the required field is highlighted with a red frame.

To get information about the address of your Android tablet or phone, go to: “Settings” > “About phone” > “ Technical information" Now you will be protected from all kinds of intrusions.

Some of the devices have an interesting function inside the settings - work schedule settings, thanks to which the device will work and be accessible only in certain time and on certain days.

To protect your Wi-Fi network and set a password, you must select the wireless network security type and encryption method. And on at this stage Many people have a question: which one to choose? WEP, WPA, or WPA2? Personal or Enterprise? AES or TKIP? What security settings will best protect your Wi-Fi network? I will try to answer all these questions within the framework of this article. Let's consider everything possible methods authentication and encryption. Let's find out which Wi-Fi network security parameters are best set in the router settings.

Please note that the type of security, or authentication, network authentication, security, authentication method - it's all the same thing.

Authentication type and encryption are the main security settings for a wireless Wi-Fi network. I think that first we need to figure out what they are, what versions there are, their capabilities, etc. After which we will find out what type of protection and encryption to choose. I’ll show you using the example of several popular routers.

I highly recommend setting up a password and protecting your wireless network. Set the maximum level of protection. If you leave the network open, without protection, then anyone can connect to it. This is primarily unsafe. And also an extra load on your router, a drop in connection speed and all sorts of problems with connecting different devices.

Wi-Fi network protection: WEP, WPA, WPA2

There are three protection options. Of course, not counting "Open" (No protection).

• WEP(Wired Equivalent Privacy) is an outdated and insecure authentication method. This is the first and not very successful method of protection. Attackers can easily access wireless networks that are protected using WEP. There is no need to set this mode in the settings of your router, although it is present there (not always).
• WPA(Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a reliable and modern type of security. Maximum compatibility with all devices and operating systems.
• WPA2– a new, improved and more reliable version of WPA. There is support for AES CCMP encryption. On at the moment, This best way Wi-Fi protection networks. This is what I recommend using.

WPA/WPA2 can be of two types:

• WPA/WPA2 - Personal (PSK)- This the usual way authentication. When you only need to set a password (key) and then use it to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The same password is used for all devices. The password itself is stored on the devices. Where you can view it or change it if necessary. It is recommended to use this option.
• WPA/WPA2 - Enterprise- a more complex method that is mainly used to protect wireless networks in offices and various establishments. Allows you to provide more high level protection. Used only when a RADIUS server is installed to authorize devices (which gives out passwords).

I think we have figured out the authentication method. The best thing to use is WPA2 - Personal (PSK). For better compatibility, so that there are no problems connecting older devices, you can set the WPA/WPA2 mixed mode. This is the default setting on many routers. Or marked as "Recommended".

Wireless Network Encryption

There are two ways TKIP And AES.

It is recommended to use AES. If you have older devices on your network that do not support AES encryption (but only TKIP) and there will be problems connecting them to the wireless network, then set it to "Auto". TKIP encryption type is not supported in 802.11n mode.

In any case, if you install strictly WPA2 - Personal (recommended), then only AES encryption will be available.

What protection should I install on my Wi-Fi router?

Use WPA2 - Personal with AES encryption. Today, this is the best and safest way. This is what the wireless network security settings look like on ASUS routers:

And this is what these security settings look like on routers from TP-Link (with old firmware).

More detailed instructions for TP-Link you can look.

Instructions for other routers:

If you don’t know where to find all these settings on your router, then write in the comments, I’ll try to tell you. Just don't forget to specify the model.

Since WPA2 - Personal (AES) older devices ( Wi-Fi adapters, phones, tablets, etc.) may not support it, then in case of connection problems, set the mixed mode (Auto).

I often notice that after changing the password or other security settings, devices do not want to connect to the network. Computers may receive the error "The network settings saved on this computer do not meet the requirements of this network." Try deleting (forgetting) the network on the device and connecting again. I wrote how to do this on Windows 7. But in Windows 10 you need .

Password (key) WPA PSK

Whatever type of security and encryption method you choose, you must set a password. Also known as WPA key, Wireless Password, Wi-Fi network security key, etc.

Password length is from 8 to 32 characters. You can use letters of the Latin alphabet and numbers. Also special characters: - @ $ # ! etc. No spaces! The password is case sensitive! This means that "z" and "Z" are different characters.

I don't recommend betting simple passwords. It's better to create strong password, which no one will be able to pick up, even if they try hard.

It is unlikely that you will be able to remember such a complex password. It would be nice to write it down somewhere. It’s not uncommon for Wi-Fi passwords to be simply forgotten. I wrote in the article what to do in such situations: .

If you need even more security, you can use MAC address binding. True, I don’t see the need for this. WPA2 - Personal paired with AES and a complex password is quite enough.

How do you protect your Wi-Fi network? Write in the comments. Well, ask questions :)

If your computer is infected with viruses, it is useful to know information on how to turn on the Internet safe mode. With this method of starting the operating system, only minimal components will load. The main advantage is that applications that are registered in startup will not load.

The login process is straightforward. It may only differ depending on the version of WINDOWS you are using.

There are three types:

• The standard option, in which only the programs and services necessary for the operation of the operating system are launched. With this method they will not launch network drivers, so logging into the Internet will not be possible.
• The second method involves launching network drivers. Unlike the first option, the user gets the opportunity to access the network.
• Login using the command line. The peculiarity of this method is that after launching the standard option, the command line appears.

To connect to safe mode in Windows, you need to perform a number of actions:

1. You need to remove all disks and floppy disks from the computer, then restart. You need to activate the “Start” button and select the “Restart” option.
2. If the user has one installed on his computer operating system, then during the reboot process you need to hold down the F8 button. You need to press it until the Windows inscription appears. If the logo appears before pressing the button, you need to repeat the steps again. To do this, you need to boot completely and then restart again.
3. If several operating systems are installed, you need to use the arrows to select the one you need. Then the F8 button is pressed.

The user will see a panel of additional download options. Use the arrow keys to select the option you want and press enter.

The method of connecting will depend on the type of operating system. For example, if we're talking about about the seven, that is, there are two ways. The first option involves logging in while the program is starting, the second during operation. In the first case, the mode will work even in the event of serious failures on the computer.

To enter safe mode on Windows 7, you need to do the following:

1. Restart your computer if it was turned on.
2. Before starting, you need to press F8 several times. It is best to do this at least three times.
3. A window will appear asking you to select additional options for downloading.
4. Having selected safe mode, you need to press the “enter” key.

Important! Often on laptops you have to press F8 along with the Fn key.

Purpose

In every operating room Windows system Is there a way to download it? It’s impossible to just go into it. If the operating system is working correctly, then it is not visible. It is considered one of the diagnostic methods.

Once Windows is started in this way, the user will see a typical system, but it will have simplified graphics and a desktop background. The main feature is that in this option only the basic ones will work. Windows programs. All services that are configured to autostart at startup will be disabled.

Many users wonder why turn on in safe mode if many services will not function. This method is necessary if you cannot connect Windows at all. The reasons for this may be various, such as a virus or operational errors. If the operating system does not start due to any system error, then logging in using a security method may also not always work.

This type of run often helps identify the problem. For example, if an incompatible driver was installed. In such a situation, you can find the reason why the operating system does not start in the standard manner.

If you turn on in a safe way, you can start working antivirus program. It will help clean your computer. After this, you can start the system for recovery.

Possible operations

If you use this method, a number of operations become available to the user:

• Ability to check the operating system for viruses. Programs that are installed on autorun will not start. Namely, they are where viruses are most often located.
• Configure and restore the system. This is best done when connecting.
• Update and install new drivers. With this mode, only the most minimally necessary ones will be loaded. If the computer is not working well, and the problem lies in the drivers, this method can solve the problem.

The user will also be able to check the operation of the computer. If the matter is software, then with this input it will function well. If the problems persist, then there is a breakdown in the hardware system.

Is it possible to use the Internet

Often users are faced with the situation that the Internet does not work in safe mode. If you cannot access it, it means that blocking programs are installed on your computer. In such a situation, it is recommended to restart the computer and turn on as usual. To do this, in the “system configuration” tab, select “normal startup”, then “general”.

Then you need to clean your computer from malicious and blocking programs. It is also recommended to reinstall your antivirus program.

Reasons for lack of connection

If you enable safe mode, most often you still cannot access the Internet. This happens if the network drivers have not been activated. This situation occurs with the standard boot type. To be able to access the Internet, you need to choose the second method with connecting drivers.

Programmers do not advise doing this, as there is a possibility of aggravating the breakdown situation. This is because this boot method disables many systems on the computer.

By running the operating system with an exception unnecessary programs Safe mode is one of the important types of computer diagnostics. It helps restore the computer's functionality after breakdowns and malfunctions occur.

Safe Mode (English – Safe Mode)– diagnostic mode, in which all unnecessary drivers are disabled and Windows functions. Used to troubleshoot problems that arise in PC operation. You just need to start safe mode and fix the errors, after which the PC will work as it should again.

In what cases might you need to enter safe mode? For example, to solve the problem when .

Also, in this way you can remove viruses, reset your password, fix errors (incl. blue screen death), restore the system, etc.

There are several ways. Plus, they differ somewhat depending on what operating system you have. Therefore, below we will look at everything available methods how to login securely Windows mode.

How to enter Windows Safe Mode: 2 universal methods

There are 2 universal methods that work for everyone Windows versions– XP, 7, 8 and 10. Moreover, they are the simplest. Perhaps we'll start with them.

Login via msconfig utility

The first way is through special utility. To do this you need to follow simple instructions:

1. Press Win + R (the button between “Ctrl” and “Alt”) and enter the word “msconfig”.
2. In the new window, select the “Boot” tab, indicate the desired OS and check the “Safe Mode” checkbox. There are a couple of sub-items here - it is recommended to choose either “minimal” (standard option) or “network” (in this case there will be access to the Internet).
3. Click “OK” and restart your PC - now it will turn on in safe mode.

When you fix the errors, do not forget to return the computer to normal startup mode! This is done in exactly the same way - using the msconfig utility (only now you need to uncheck the box).

There is a small nuance here: in this way you can enable safe mode in Windows OS only if your OS boots normally. If you can’t even load the desktop, then use the second method.

Login using F8

This method is suitable for those whose PC or laptop does not turn on (the desktop does not load, the monitor goes dark, etc.). In this case, do the following:

1. Turn on your PC (or laptop) and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly until a menu appears (in some cases you need to press Shift + F8).
2. If the Windows logo appears or the screen goes dark, you failed. Wait until the system boots completely, then restart your PC and try again.
3. When you do everything correctly, a menu will open where you use the arrows to select “Safe Mode” (the best option).

P.S. This method does not work on Windows 10! This function disabled by developers.

Special download options for Windows 10

If Windows starts, then you need to do the following:

What to do if Windows 10 does not start? If the PC boots before the login screen, then " Special options Downloads" can be opened in another way. To do this, click on the power button icon (in the lower right corner), hold down Shift and select “Restart”.

We use a disk or flash drive

This is the most reliable way boot Windows 10 in safe mode. But in this case, you need a DVD or (they can be recorded on any PC or laptop).

Connect a USB drive or insert a disk, load them (), and then do the following:

1. After loading, press Shift + F10.
2. After opening the command line, enter – bcdedit /set (default) safeboot minimal.
3. Then close it and restart your PC. It will turn on.

To return the PC to normal startup, write in command line the following: bcdedit /deletevalue (default) safeboot.

You can do this in the same way (or as an administrator ) .

You can also enable the mode in Windows 8 in 4 different ways

The first two are described in detail at the beginning of the article. The other two are quite similar to the options that are suitable for Windows 10, but we will still look at them in more detail to make it easier for you to navigate.

Diagnostic tools

So, the first method is to activate the buffer format (only suitable if the OS is working normally). To do this we do the following:

The PC will start in Safe Mode, and you can carry out the necessary manipulations.

Boot from disk or USB flash drive

And another simple option for starting safe mode in Windows 8 is by bootable flash drive or DVD with Windows files. The procedure is as follows:

1. Connect a USB flash drive (or disk) and boot from the media.
2. A window for setting the date and time will appear - click “Next”.
3. When the installation window opens, select “System Restore”. As a result, the diagnostic screen will appear (it is slightly different from the previous option).
   
4. Next, select the items: Diagnostics – Additional. parameters – Command line.
   
5. In a new window, enter: bcdedit / set globalsettings and press Enter.
   
6. After eliminating all errors, write the line in the command editor - bcdedit /deletevalue (globalsettings) advancedoptions. This will disable the transition to the diagnostic screen when you turn on the OS.
7. Close it and click “Continue”.
   
8. After rebooting, the system will prompt you to select a boot method - click F4. The PC will now turn on in Safe Mode.

What to do on Windows 7 and XP

You can enter safe mode in Windows 7 or XP using one of the following: universal methods described at the beginning of this article. The first option is suitable in cases where the OS is working normally, and the second option is suitable if the PC or laptop does not turn on.

It is worth noting that the operating system is in no way related to the BIOS. It also doesn’t matter what brand of laptop you have – Samsung, Asus, Lenovo, HP, Acer, LG, etc.

What to do if Safe Mode does not start?

Sometimes a PC or laptop stubbornly refuses to enable safe mode. The reason is trivial - viruses damaged the Windows registry. In such situations, there are only 2 options:

• restoring PC operation (system rollback to a checkpoint);
• installation of special programs.

The optimal method, of course, would be the first one - restoring the computer from a checkpoint. If you do not have them saved (for example, disabled), then the only option left is to install recovery programs Windows registry. In this case, you can use the free Safe Mode Repair or SafeBootKeyRepair.