Hiding Password For Router?

Hope this is the right place to ask... I don't want to get my friends POed, but may be a have to case...
They just bought a smart TV, and want to get me to let them use my internet to watch movies. They asked about the password to my router, and I played dumb and said I didn't know anything about a password, that it was set up for me.
So one of them called a friend who said he could find the password. I am not about to let them download any thing to my computer to find it, so is there another way they can do this?
Is there a way to hide the password so it can't be found by programs?

 

I would just be honest and tell the friend, "Sorry but I don't give my passwords to anyone for security reasons!". If they get mad so be it.
Honestly they don't sound like a friend implying they might try to hack your router to get free internet.

 

As far as I recollect, unless they are trying to actually configure your router, the password is on the back of the router. Some routers allow you to configure the router as a wireless access point (AP) to extend your wireless range. It will then act as a simple wireless gateway- I would not recommend that, myself.
At home, you need to do is either cover, or, remove the sticker, if you can so that they cannot see it. Downloading movies to their tv could cost YOU a lot of money, depending on your data allowance.
As KitKat says. some friend, - tight friend, no doubt. It would also mean your connection could be slowed down when you try to use it yourself.
Perhaps one of the more knowledgeable geeks here, on the subject of routers, could help on how to configure your router, if you know the make of it.
This could give you the general idea---
http://uk.pcmag.com/networking-revi.../feature/12-ways-to-secure-your-wi-fi-network
So, if somebody with that extra bit of knowhow could get on to this, they might be able to help you put a password in that only you know.

 

As ask before what is the brand and model of your router?
Step by step instructions could be different for different brands of routers.
As baklogic mentioned the factory set password is on your router for anyone to see if they are looking for it. So if this friend was in your house they could get the password.
Short answer is you type your router address in your browser. It will bring up your router info and settings page.
You can reset the password in settings there.
As plodr said make it a secure password using numbers, symbols and letters.
Someone here may have the same router as you and can help you. Otherwise for step by step instructions Google your Router and model number search for instructions. Then search how to reset router password and you should find what you need with step by step instructions.

While I am in there I change the name, just because I want to, and change the password for security.

If you have a problem or have questions post back here and someone will help you. Good luck.

 

I agree with the smart TV thingy.I never had one.

But some stuff like the Smart TV's tend to take more data for no reason.If you have a data cap than it's a bad idea to have some thing like that be cause it will be continuously connected to the internet if left on.And you will most likely be charged for more data usage.

If you don't trust them than lock it down.

Or have them pay extra money for the internet connection.Since they want to use the TV.

I would charge about 50 to 100 dollars extra for some thing like that if the data cap goes over.

Some places will charge 10 dollars extra per gig or so un-till next update

 

There's a bigger risk than losing a few dollars - what if they started loading illegal stuff, child porn etc? However, provided they do not have access to your system, a strong wireless password is all that's needed to eliminate the risk. If they do have access to the system then further precautions may be necessary.

 

Watching movies takes a lot of data and bandwidth if you're also going to be doing your own thing on YOUR internet. If they really want to use this feature, they need their own high speed connection. No way around it. They should not be slurping off you or anyone else. Tell it to them, straight up!

 

That's true too.I do agree with both of you.

I was just making a suggestion.

Downloading movies and other junk does take a lot of data.I can't argue with that fact.I know my ISP has a data cap of 250 a month and if i go over that they charge me another 10 dollars for ever other gig or so.

 

You could play along, then block the connection in the firewall to hulu & Netflix...or throttle the bandwidth using prioritization rules found in some routers. Also log in your router and kick them offline randomly, until they give up. I've seen hacks where you could turn everything upside down... or http://www.instructables.com/id/Raspberry-pi-wifi-router-prank/
Make the TV unwatchable and give 'em the "we tried, sorry". change your passwords and keys and go with your life.

 

From what i understand it's really not illegal if the people are living in the same house as you are.

There is a fine line between sharing and stealing.It all so depends on your isp as well and your contract with them.

 

this is also useful and new http://www.freepasswordsgenerator.com/

 

With my D-Link, all I have to do is press the recessed button on the back of the unit and it resets the whole router. Password gone.
I would have to hide my router to be safe from a friend living in my house.

 

If your using a router that can run DD-WRT http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index
You can actually disable the reset button on the router. My friend had me make him a wireless bridge, so I used 2 Netgears
Flashed with DD-WRT, some one reset one trying to get on the network, so I reconfigured them and disabled the buttons in the software (no hardware modding). Just can't ever forget the password.. unless you want to JTAG (hardware flashing) and wipe the router to start over.

 

Yup . I was thinking. You could desolder and remove the push button switch from the router mainboard, but that would mean taking the router apart. This is for a regular router not a DD-WRT one.
DD-WRT is the way to go.

 

To be honest if I was the original poster (OP) I wouldn't find that suggestion helpful and in my experience of routers like Netgear, Thomson and a number of others, resetting the router doesn't do anything to its password. If both the router and the connection name have secure passwords, I don't see how anyone can identify them and no one other than a skilled hacker can access them.
But given the OP hasn't returned to this thread in almost five weeks, it's probably academic now.