Should I replace my Wep router?

Q  In the 20 Security Dos and Don’ts article, you suggested checking Wifi-encryption settings to ensure that WPA protection is enabled.

I checked my router – an Addon NWAR 3600 – and it uses only Wep. I’m concerned therefore that my network is no longer secure. Is it possible to change this within the router or will I have to buy a new one?
Colin Seymour

A  First, we would reassure owners of routers that have only Wep protection that there is no cause for immediate panic: Wep is indeed an encryption standard that is no longer considered secure but that’s not quite the same as it offering no security at all.

The problem is that someone with sufficient technical know-how and motivation could crack a Wep password. However, it isn’t exactly easy and it can take some time.

Even so, it makes sense to use WPA wherever possible. Fortunately, in your case this is straightforward – because your router’s manual tells us that WPA is available.

However, the option’s location isn’t obvious. Log in to the router as before and, on the Manual Setup AP page (accessed by clicking Security, rather than Basic), open the dropdown menu next to Network Authentication and choose WPA/WPA2: the security fields below should now change to reflect WPA/WPA2 encryption settings.

If you need more guidance, the manual can be viewed on the Addon website.