Fixing the "WPS is turned on" problem (D-Link / dap-1360)

Note: If you cannot fix the problem after you follow these instructions, maybe we can help. Get help from RouterCheck Support.

Understanding the "WPS is turned on" problem

WPS (or WiFi Protected Setup) is a system used by many router vendors to make the task of setting up home WiFi easier. There are two ways that WPS-enabled routers enable devices to connect: either by typing in a PIN (usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the router) or by pressing a button on the router. Unfortunately, hackers can break into routers where WPS is turned on, so it should be turned off if possible. Routers with WPS turned on are easy prey for hackers, even if WPA2 is being used.

What is the risk of not fixing this problem?

The threat to you for WiFi security problems is a bit different than the threats posed by other vulnerabilities. A WiFi security issue is a very localized problem. Hackers half-way across the world cannot take advantage of poor WiFi security and try to break into your network. The real threat is with your neighbors and people in your immediate vicinity of trying to break into your network.

Local people breaking into your home network pose a very different threat than do professional hackers, and they'll do very different things. Whereas organized hackers are looking to make some quick money off of you by stealing sensitive material or reconfiguring your network for their benefit, the local amateur is looking for something totally different.

First, the amateur may simply be looking for mischief. They'll break into your network for fun - to see if they're able to do it. If they do, then you'd better hope that that's all they do. People who break in to other people's networks often continue their mischief by deleting files or causing other problems.

The other type of local person who breaks into their neighbor's network is looking for something different. They want to use your internet connection to do something that they don't want traceable back to themselves. Whatever it is that they want to do, whether it be dangerous, immoral, or outright illegal, they don't want to be the ones who it's traced back to. If they're on your network, it won't be traced back to them - it will be traced back to you.

Vendor Documentation

Often, it's a good idea to look through the router's documentation to learn how to fix problems. Go to the vendor's support site where you can download documentation.

How to fix the "WPS is turned on" problem

Step 1: Log into your router

You use a web browser to interact with your router and fix its configuration problems. However, before you can interact with your browser, you must log into it. RouterCheck can give you detailed instructions for logging in to your router.

Step 2: If you log in successfully, your router's home page opens.

Step 3: Navigate to the WPS (Wifi Protected Setup) page.

You want to find a page that has settings for WPS (Note: this may or may not be on the same page as regular wireless security). The page name may be similar to:

WPS Settings
Wireless Settings
Wireless Security
WiFi Security

Navigate to this page by clicking the appropriate menu items and buttons.

Step 4: If you are successful, your router's WPS (Wifi Protected Setup) page opens.

Step 5: Turn off WPS

Look for a check box that enables you to control whether WPS is on or off. Note: Some routers do not allow you to turn WPS off.

Step 6: Re-run RouterCheck.

Now that you've fixed your problem, run RouterCheck again to verify that you have really fixed the problem.