How to fix weak WiFi security

Are you seeing “weak security” WiFi warnings on your phone? Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your WiFi is under immediate attack — there’s no need to panic. But it is something you should address to better protect yourself online.

The message is a precaution to let you know that the WiFi connection you’re using has security vulnerabilities. It’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent your personal information from being accessed without your permission.

Our guide will help you understand what causes this message to be triggered, and how to correct the issue to improve your digital security in three simple steps.

What is weak security WiFi?

A WiFi connection is considered to have weak security if it is using an outdated security protocol, such as WEP, WPA, or WPA2 with TKIP encryption. These protocols are security standards that keep your network protected against attacks and unauthorised access.

Encryption technology has unsurprisingly improved since the 90s, so there have been several new security types released over the years. There are currently four protocols, listed below from oldest to newest:

• WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy

• WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access

• WPA2 - Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 

• WPA3 - Wi-Fi Protected Access 3

The warning about weak security WiFi will appear in the WiFi settings area on your device, and read something like:

“WPA/WPA2 (TKIP) is not considered secure. If this is your Wi-Fi network, configure the router to use WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 security type.’

This message is most often shown on iPhones and other Apple devices, though if you see this, you can assume other connected devices are also vulnerable. While it lets you know what the problem is, it doesn’t tell you exactly how to fix it.

The good news is, that you only need to follow a few simple steps to fix this once to improve security across all devices.

How to fix weak security on WiFi

Correcting weak security WiFi requires you to change the security configuration of your router. These settings can be accessed and changed from any mobile device, laptop, or PC connected to the network.

It’s worth noting that if you see this message while using a public WiFi network, you can’t make changes to improve its security. Public WiFi networks are typically unsafe anyway, so avoid them if you can and consider using mobile data instead. Only configure changes on a network you own!

1. Access your router settings

Firstly, you’ll need to log into your router management area. 

Using any browser, enter your router address. You can find this address on your WiFi settings — it’s sometimes found on a sticker on your router or on a little card that came with it, depending on your provider.

The router address will look like a series of numbers separated by a full stop. For example, the address for Community Fibre routers is 192.168.1.1. Once you’ve found the address for your router and entered this into your browser, hit enter to go to the page. 

It will then prompt you to log in. Find your unique details on your router and sign in to access your router management settings.

Are you a Community Fibre customer? If you’re using a Technicolor WiFi 6 router, visit our Technicolor help page for support on accessing your router settings. Customers using a Linksys WiFi 6 router can access this area through the app or by following the steps outlined in Linksys support.

2. Configure the security settings

Find the relevant security settings area within your router management. 

The layout of your settings will vary depending on your router type and internet provider, but this should be straightforward to locate. It might be called something like ‘Security’, ‘Encryption, or ‘Configuration’.

When you have found the correct area, find the current security protocol, which might be WEP or WPA. Select one of the newer security protocols, WPA2 or WPA 3, and save your changes. 

Your provider might call these something a little different, or even mention on the page which is best to select, so be sure to check the option most appropriate for your router.

3. ‘Forget’ network and reconnect 

After updating and saving the security protocol, you can log out of the router management area. Next, disconnect your device from the network, choose ‘forget’, and then reconnect. This will trigger the proper settings, and stop the message from appearing on your device. Now, you’re free to enjoy safer online experiences.

Switching to a more secure network

Following the above steps should stop the message from appearing on your device,  resolve your weak security issue, and leave you with a more secure home network.  

However, if you experience other security vulnerabilities because of your network, it may be time to consider switching to a more reliable internet provider that uses updated technology.

London, Surrey and Sussex-based customers can benefit from Community Fibre’s full fibre broadband service. Our network uses the latest technology to provide a more reliable and secure connection, in addition to faster speeds and 99.9% uptime. 

As part of our Premium WiFi, we use high-quality WiFi 6 routers and mesh technology to offer full WiFi coverage around the whole home. Mesh technology is more secure than the WiFi extenders often given out by providers, so you can benefit from better security and a strong connection in every corner of your home.

Explore our broadband packages and check your availability in London, Surrey, and Sussex.