How to resolve the 'Weak Wi-Fi password' alert

This article explains how to resolve the issue if Network Inspector in Avast Antivirus shows the following alert:

Weak Wi-Fi password

Description

If you see the alert above after running a Network Inspector scan, we have found that your Wi-Fi network is secured with a weak or default password. Anybody in range could easily guess your password and access your Wi-Fi network. This presents the following risks:

Additional devices connecting to your Wi-Fi network can affect the speed and reliability of your connection.
An attacker could use your Wi-Fi network to launch other attacks or commit crimes. If an attack is traced back to your network, you may be liable.
An attacker could connect to your Wi-Fi network and see private data that you send and receive, including your passwords, credit card info, and private messages and photos.

Solution

To resolve this issue, create a strong password for your Wi-Fi network, and all of the devices connected to it.

We recommend that you create a strong password using the guidelines below:

The password should contain at least 10 characters, but ideally 12 or more. The more characters you use, the more secure your password is.
The password should not be used to access any other accounts or services.
The safest passwords are phrases rather than single words. Select a phrase that is memorable for you, but not easily predictable.

Select your router brand for detailed instructions on how to secure your Wi-Fi network with a strong password:

ASUS

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Asus, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact ASUS directly.

To configure an ASUS wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your ASUS router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Follow the step below that matches your router settings: Go to Advanced Settings ▸ Wireless ▸ General. OR Go to Wireless ▸ Interface. OR Go to Wireless ▸ Security.
4.	In the WPA Pre-Shared Key (or Passphrase) field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Apply or Save, and reboot your router if necessary.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

Belkin

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Belkin, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Belkin directly.

To configure a Belkin wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Belkin router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Go to Configuration ▸ Wi-Fi ▸ Wireless Security.
4.	In the Passphrase field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Save, and reboot your router if necessary.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

Cisco

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Cisco, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Cisco directly.

To configure a Cisco wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Cisco router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Go to Wireless ▸ Basic Settings.
4.	Tick the box next to the vulnerable wireless network, then select edit (the pencil icon).
5.	In the Passphrase field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
6.	Confirm your changes by selecting Apply, and reboot your router if necessary.
7.	Repeat steps 3 - 6 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

D-Link

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by D-Link, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact D-Link directly.

To configure a D-Link wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your D-Link router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Follow the step below that matches your router settings: Go to Settings ▸ Wireless. OR Go to Setup ▸ Wireless Settings ▸ Manual Wireless Network Setup. OR Go to Setup ▸ Wireless Connection ▸ Manual Wireless Connection Setup.
4.	In the Password, Pre-Shared/Network Key, or Passphrase field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Save or Save settings.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

Huawei

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Huawei, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Huawei directly.

To configure a Huawei wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Huawei router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Follow the step below that matches your router settings: Go to Basic ▸ Wireless LAN. OR Go to Basic ▸ WLAN ▸ WLAN.
4.	In the Pre-Shared Key field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Submit.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

Linksys

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Linksys, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Linksys directly.

To configure a Linksys wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Linksys router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Follow the step below that matches your router settings: Go to Wi-Fi Settings ▸ Wireless. OR Go to Wireless ▸ Wireless Settings ▸ Manual. OR Go to Wireless ▸ Wireless ▸ Edit.
4.	In the Wi-Fi password or Passphrase field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Apply, Save settings, or OK.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

NETGEAR

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by NETGEAR, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact NETGEAR directly.

To configure a NETGEAR wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your NETGEAR router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Follow the step below that matches your router settings: Go to Basic ▸ Wireless. OR Go to Advanced ▸ Setup ▸ Wireless Setup. OR Go to Setup ▸ Wireless settings.
4.	In the Passphrase field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Apply.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

TP-Link

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by TP-Link, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact TP-Link directly.

To configure a TP-Link wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your TP-Link router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Follow the step below that matches your router settings: Select Wireless in the top panel. OR Go to Wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) ▸ Wireless Security. OR Go to Wireless ▸ Wireless Settings ▸ Enable Wireless Security.
4.	In the Password, PSK/Wireless Password, or PSK Passphrase field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Save.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

TRENDnet

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by TRENDnet, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact TRENDnet directly.

To configure a TRENDnet wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your TRENDnet router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Go to Basic ▸ Wireless.
4.	In the Pre-Shared Key field, create a strong password to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes by selecting Save.
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

Other routers

Due to the wide range of different router types, we can only provide brand-specific instructions for frequently used routers and general instructions for all other routers. For exact instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact the manufacturer of your router directly.

Below are links to the support pages for other router brands:

To configure a wireless router:

1.	From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your router.
2.	Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.	Find the Wireless settings section (may also be called Wi-Fi settings/setup or similar).
4.	Find the field to create a Wireless password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) to encrypt your Wi-Fi network.
5.	Confirm your changes (select Save settings, Update, OK, or similar).
6.	Repeat steps 3 - 5 for both 2.4 GHz (B/G) and 5 GHz (A) settings on dual-band routers, and reboot your router if necessary.

To configure wireless network devices:

1.	Go to the Wi-Fi settings for each device that is connected to your router, and view the Wi-Fi networks within range.
2.	Select the name (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
3.	When prompted, enter the password (or Passphrase, Network/Pre-shared key etc.) that you specified via your router settings.
4.	If prompted, confirm that you want to establish a wireless connection between the device and your router.

Tips

To ensure that your Wi-Fi network remains secure, refer to the additional tips below:

Rename your Wi-Fi network if it uses a default network name (or SSID) that identifies the make of your router (for example, Linksys or NETGEAR). Identifying the make of your router makes it easier for hackers to break in.
Reveal any unwanted visitors on your Wi-Fi network by running regular Network Inspector scans. The scan results screen shows all of the devices that are currently connected to your network. After running the scan, you can also tick the box next to Enable notification of new devices on this network to ensure that you are notified each time a new device connects to your network.
We recommend that you do not configure your router to hide the name of your Wi-Fi network (or SSID). When your network name is invisible, your wireless devices broadcast the name themselves, which is even more dangerous.
We do not recommend using a MAC address access filter, as they are difficult to set up, and very easy to bypass.
Advanced users can change the subnet value from 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x to a value that is less common, such as 192.168.13.x. This increases security, because many attacks are performed by web snippets trying to access the most common values.

Avast One 22.x for Windows
Avast One 22.x for Mac
Avast Premium Security 22.x for Windows
Avast Free Antivirus 22.x for Windows
Avast Premium Security 15.x for Mac
Avast Security 15.x for Mac

Microsoft Windows 11 Home / Pro / Enterprise / Education
Microsoft Windows 10 Home / Pro / Enterprise / Education - 32 / 64-bit
Microsoft Windows 8.x / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
Microsoft Windows 8 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate - Service Pack 1 with Convenient Rollup Update, 32 / 64-bit
Apple macOS 12.x (Monterey)
Apple macOS 11.x (Big Sur)
Apple macOS 10.15.x (Catalina)
Apple macOS 10.14.x (Mojave)
Apple macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra)
Apple macOS 10.12.x (Sierra)
Apple Mac OS X 10.11.x (El Capitan)

Updated on: 6/2/22

Avast Network Inspector alert: Weak Wi-Fi password

Description

Solution

ASUS

To configure an ASUS wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

Belkin

To configure a Belkin wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

Cisco

To configure a Cisco wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

D-Link

To configure a D-Link wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

Huawei

To configure a Huawei wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

Linksys

To configure a Linksys wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

NETGEAR

To configure a NETGEAR wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

TP-Link

To configure a TP-Link wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

TRENDnet

To configure a TRENDnet wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

Other routers

To configure a wireless router:

To configure wireless network devices:

Tips

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