YOU PROBABLY NEVER thought of doing it, but it’s a good idea to change your WiFi or modem password whenever you get the chance.

Many of us opt for the default password, which may seem fine considering their length, but it isn’t the most secure method.

As a rule, the default password is usually made up of numbers and letters which can be bypassed if someone was to put in enough effort into it, and the last thing you need is your connection being slow because someone’s freeloading on it.

Because it’s a password you won’t be entering often (compared to your Facebook profile, for example), it’s better to change it to something long and complex, using symbols on top of letters and numbers, so it’s difficult to crack.

So here’s how you can change it.

1) Connect to your WiFi modem and open up admin

If you’re using Eircom, type in 192.168.1.254 into your browser’s address bar.
If you’re using UPC, type in 192.168.1.1 into your browser’s address bar.
If you’re using Sky, type in 192.168.0.1 into your browser’s address bar.

2) Enter in your username and password (if prompted)

For UPC, the default is you leave the username and password blank, while for Sky, it’s username ‘admin’ and password ‘sky’. Eircom allows you to log in automatically.

3) When you’re logged in, search for privacy settings

For Eircom users, go to 3D Wireless > Advanced Configuration Options
For UPC users, it’s found under Setup/Wireless and look for (WPA) Pre-shared key.
For Sky users, go to Useful settings  > Change Wireless Password (the password you’re asked to enter is the same as before).

4) Find password and change it

Make sure it’s a complex one and write it down. Eircom will generate a new one for you once you enter in a new passphrase.

5) Write your new password down before you save changes

And that’s it. The modem will reset and everyone will be required to connect to your WiFi again using the new password.

Read: Do you know what apps have access to your Facebook info? You might want to check >

Read: Find app permissions confusing? Here’s what you need to know >