How to Keep a Comcast Gateway Secure

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Your Comcast Gateway transmits a signal through the air and may be detected hundreds of feet away. By default, anybody nearby can use your network. It is highly recommended that you take some simple safety steps such as encrypting and also limiting access to your wireless network.

Encrypting the information that is transmitted through the air is the best way to protect communications from eavesdroppers. The two main types of encryption are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). WPA2 is the best choice but many older routers do not have this option. If your router doesn't have WPA2, you should upgrade.

To limit access to your router it is recommended that you use a strong password that isn't freely shared or used anywhere else.

This guide will walk you through the process of protecting your Comcast wireless network.

2. Password Best Practices

Wherever possible, you should pick a password that is impossible to guess and is also resistant to brute-force attacks. Note that some devices or systems do not allow special characters or they may have their own requirements.

Best practices for picking a strong password:

• Passwords should be around 8 to 12 characters, but can be longer.
• Avoid using words that are in the dictionary.
• DO NOT use information that is easy to guess or phish for such as:
• Important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
• Names of pets, friends, family, locations, etc.
• Add some complexity to your password by adding at least:
• 1 Capital letter
• 1 Small letter
• 1 Symbol
• 1 Number
• Try replacing letters with symbols, for example:
• "Abc?123!" is easier to guess than "@B(?123!"
• "Password!?" is easier to guess than "P@$$w0rd!?".

3. Changing Your Xfinity Gateway Settings

We're going to walk you through changing your Gateway settings to make them more secure.

4. Changing Wi-Fi Settings via App

1. Open your Xfinity App.
   

1. Log In if needed.
2. Tap the Internet Icon.
   

1. Tap your Wireless Gateway.
   

1. Select Change Wi-Fi Settings.
   

1. Enter your new network name and password.
2. Tap Save.
   

1. Your Gateway will update.
   

5. Keeping Your Password Secure

Some precautions should be taken in order to keep your password secure.

Best practices:

• Do not use a master password that you use everywhere (such as email, work, school, home, network)
• If possible, do not share your password with anybody.
• Passwords that are shared with others, like for a home network, should only be shared if necessary.
• Be aware when typing your password in public, or that in no way anyone is watching.
• Some types of electronic devices like computers and smartphones can remember passwords, so beware of devices that are not yours.
• Make a schedule of when to change your password. For example, every 180 days.
• It is not recommended to write down passwords. But if you have to, make sure that it is neither physically nor visually accessible by others.

6. Changing Wi-Fi Settings via Web

1. Log into www.xfinity.com/myaccount from your web browser and select Settings.
   

1. Select Internet.
   

1. Select Wi-Fi Credentials.
   

1. Select Edit to change your Wi-Fi Name or Password.
   

1. Enter your new Wi-Fi Name or Password and select Save.
   

1. Reconnect your wireless devices to your Wi-Fi network using your new network name and password.