WPA2 along with a strong password is secure provided that you turn off WPS. In case your extender provides support for WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), this feature comes turned on by default. Usually, users make use of this method while performing Netgear EX2700 extender setup. However, this is an insecure function which makes your home or office network more susceptible to phishing or cyber attacks. So, it’s better to disable this feature. Don’t know how to do so? Well, you have stumbled upon the right post. Here, we will make you aware of the know-how to disable WPS on extender and keep your network safe and sound. Before getting started, let’s get familiar with the topic that what a WPS is.
Know all about WiFi Protected Setup
Most of the home access points are making use of WPA2-Personal also dubbed WPA2-PSK. Here, PSK means ‘pre-shared key’.This setup method was essentially meant for making it easier to connect new devices to a network like gaming consoles or others.
To perform new extender setup, you will need to create a solid password for your device. By using this passcode, any device can connect to a WiFi network. Also, it keeps outsiders far away from your connection as it creates an encryption key to encrypt your network traffic.
However, entering passphrase each time when a new device gets connected is a bit inconvenient. So, WPS method was initiated to troubleshoot this issue. As soon as you connect to a device along with WPS turned on, a message will be displayed saying you can utilize this way instead of typing passcode again and again. In short, if you use this method, you don’t need to log in to mywifiext.
How it works?
To get started, press WPS button on extender and then on device after a few seconds. It lets you connect to a network just by pressing this button which is quite insecure.
(Netgear EX2700 extender setup)
If your devices don’t have such button, you have to enter a PIN to make a reliable connection.
However, the main issue in using PIN is that it can be easily hacked because it is just an 8 digit number. And a proficient hijacker takes only a few seconds to get their hands on this number.
This technique lets you set up a new extender without entering username and password for logging in to mywifiext.net web user interface. It includes three main methods namely extender PIN, push button and client PIN.
All these are turned on by default. Extender manufacturers are unable to troubleshoot this security issues as the WPS specification calls for risky way to check PINs.
Disable WPS and protect your wireless network
So, now you have known with the fact that it is an insecure way to access the Netgear_ext (SSID). You probably be wondering that how to disable this, right? Well, it is very simple.
In case your equipment provides support for disabling WPS, this option will likely present in its web configuration interface. If not, you should at least turn off the PIN-based verification option.
For sure, you will be rest assured about your security with WPS enabled given that PIN-based authentication has turned off. But we recommend you why take risk? This method enables you to connect to wireless network easier than ever. In case you have a password that you are able to easily remember, you can connect just as fast as possible. And it is only for the first time, once you get connected with a device, there is no need to enter it again and again. It will automatically be made a reliable connection with your device. So, it is always best to disable WPS on your wireless access point.
