Upgrading your FIOS router’s wireless security to WPA2

17 Apr 2019 - Dave

Verizon configures their wireless routers with WEP by default. WEP is incredibly easy to crack. Networking or security skills are not really needed. A simple Google search sets would be hackers on their way to cracking a WEP protected wireless network.

The good news is WPA2. Most Verizon routers support WPA2.

Setting up WPA2 on your Verizon router

1. Connect to the router with your web browser – http://192.168.1.1 and login
2. Click on Wireless Settings in the top bar
3. Click on Basic Wireless Settings in the left nav bar
4. If Wireless is off – turn it on
5. If WEP is on – turn it off
6. Click Apply at the bottom
7. Click Advanced Security Settings in the left navigation bar
8. Select WPA2 under Level 1
9. Select Pre-Shared Key for Authentication Method
10. Select ASCII as the format for the Pre-Shared Key
11. Enter a good pass phrase* for the Pre-Shared Key.
12. Select TKIP and AES for the Encryption Algorithm.
13. Click Apply at the bottom.
14. Test the new settings.

• Verizon security update
• Compatibility Issues
• Verizon’s instructions for enabling WPA2
• PC Magazine article on Verizon’s WEP problem

* Use a good Pass phrase

• Use a good, strong pass phrase. wikipedia.org/wiki/Password_strength
• Don’t worry. The pass phrase is only used the first time a computer accesses the network. It doesn’t get entered every time.
• Do not forget to write the passphrase down.