passwords Archives

Set up your Wi-Fi for easy sharing with guests

You’ve got a turkey in the oven, presents need to be wrapped, and your cousin’s kid screams (again), “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” You’re juggling a hundred things at once, and the last thing you want to do is to spell out your password.

Here’s the good news: You can slap a printout on the fridge, and everyone can scan it with their phones to connect. But first, I’ll show you how to create a separate network so you don’t need to worry about little Billy getting into your personal stuff on your devices and computers.

Be my guest

Most modern routers let you set up a guest network without having to be a tech guru. Warning: This will take you a few minutes, but it’s totally doable, even if you’ve had a few beers.

Step 1: Log into your router’s admin console. You’ll need your IP address. You can usually find this on a sticker on the bottom or side of your router. Seeing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 is common.

If you don’t see yours …

On Windows: Open the Start menu, search for “Command Prompt” and, with your Command Prompt open, type in ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says “Default Gateway.” This is your router’s IP address.
On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network. Select your Wi-Fi network > Advanced. Your router’s IP address is under Router.

Step 2: Open your browser, type http:// and paste in your IP address. Hit Enter to open a login page. For the credentials, try the username admin and the word password for the password. If the defaults are different, they’re likely printed on your router — or check this site that lists default passwords for almost every router in use.

Step 3: Look for a setting called Guest Network or Guest Wi-Fi. Give it a different name (aka SSID) than your main network, along with a strong, unique password.

🕵️ If you have snoops in the family … When family and friends connect to your Wi-Fi guest network, you can block them from accessing your files or devices on your primary network. Turn off the local access setting. I bet you feel like James Bond right about now.

Now for the fun part

Create a QR code that automatically connects guests to your new guest network — no hassle, no drama. With the free site QIFI.org, all you need is three pieces of info:

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These passwords take 1 second to crack

Here’s a wild stat: 78% of the world’s most common passwords can be cracked in less than a second. The most-used password in the world, “123456,” has been leaked more than 3 million times. And get this: 1.2 million of those were corporate passwords.

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‘How do I reset my old router?’

After I shared my router picks (and so many of you realized you have a TP-Link …), my inbox is flooded with this one: “What do I do with my old router after I upgrade?” Good question. A factory reset wipes your username, password, Wi-Fi network name or SSID, and any security settings.

Step 1: Look for a small button on the back or bottom of your router. It’s usually recessed (so you’ll need a paper clip to press it in) and may be labeled “Reset.”

Step 2: Do a 30-30-30 reset. It’s a bit of a pain but works for every router model I’ve come across. Here’s how:

👉 With your router plugged in, hold down the reset button for 30 seconds.
While still pressing reset, unplug your router from the power source and count for another 30 seconds.
Finally, still holding reset, reconnect the router to the power cord and count another final 30 seconds. Done!

Hackers and scammers don’t want you to use EndpointLock: It stops them from capturing your keystrokes when you enter your usernames, account numbers and passwords. If you bank on your phone or do anything else confidential, you need this. Hit this link for 10% off.

Holiday package scam alert

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Scammers are posing as delivery services with fake package problems. One wrong click, and they’ll swipe your passwords. Here’s how to stop them.

⚠️ One of the biggest DDoS attacks: Yep, it’s happening right now. A massive botnet appeared overnight, with hackers hijacking thousands of video recorders. The impact? Multiple online services are getting flooded with so much traffic that they’re crashing. Folks, this is why you should keep your devices updated with the latest firmware and use strong passwords.

Do you bank on your phone? What about checking email and shopping? If you said “yes” to any of those, you’re a target. A keylogger captures everything you type, including your account numbers and passwords. Encrypt your keystrokes with EndpointLock. Hit this link for 10% off.

My top password manager pick has an A+ security feature built in

But there’s a smarter way to protect your online accounts — using a trusted password manager like NordPass.

Remembering complex, unique passwords for every single account is practically impossible. If you’re like most people, you probably end up reusing passwords or writing them down somewhere, which isn’t your best bet if you value security.

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So much data left exposed for anyone to see

Another day, another monumental data breach. Just because they’re getting more common doesn’t mean you can tune it out. In fact, it’s time to get even more serious about your private information and what’s posted online.

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🇨🇳 Communist China’s at it again: Now, China’s sending hackers after Microsoft 365 accounts, mostly in the financial services and insurance biz. Their method of choice is password spraying, aka attempting to log in to accounts with all the most common, weakest passwords. This is your friendly reminder to use a complex password for every single account.

Secure every single thing you type: EndpointLock encrypts your keystrokes when you enter usernames, account numbers and passwords so no one can copy and steal them. Hit this link for 10% off.

“Kim, I missed the link!” So many of you asked me to link to my password manager pick. Happy to help! I negotiated a great deal on NordPass just for you — 58% off. It can import your passwords from any password manager you’re using, btw.

2024's worst passwords

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The world’s easiest-to-hack passwords are out — find out if yours made the list and how to protect your accounts in seconds.

Disney+ tries the Netflix stunt

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Just months after Netflix cracked down on passwords, Disney is hoping to rake in the cash with the same tactic.

Small business owners: Simplify your life with one financial tool that does it all

Are your finances as organized as you’d like them to be? Come on, be honest. For most business owners, the answer is a reluctant no.

As your company grows, you will have more expenses, contractors, KPIs and hands managing it all. If your communication happens through email, over the phone, in messages, and via spreadsheets, you will hit a wall sooner or later.

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Apple’s next big idea: Robot butlers

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Picture an AI smarty-pants to wash the dishes, clean the house and video chat with you when you’re not home. Plus, fakes on Facebook, no more sharing Disney+ passwords, and Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.

Mac attack: A new macOS malware called “Cuckoo” is targeting older Intel-based Macs and newer models with Apple chips. It steals passwords and takes over your system. It’s spreading via websites and apps that convert streaming music into MP3s. Stay safe: Use TotalAV to protect your tech — it’s just $19 for a year.

February 17th, 2024

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The fear that keeps Sam Altman up at night. Plus, AI voices of gun victims being sent to lawmakers, companies replacing passwords with biometrics, and Zillow’s handy feature for room rentals. And an ultimate tip on where to stash an AirTag in your car. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.