There’s so much talk about being security cautious when using public Wi-Fi because criminals can easily compromise them. But do you know that your private Wi-Fi is prone to hacking too?
Cybercriminals can hack your Wi-Fi and retrieve your data. Understanding how they operate helps you secure your network better.
So how do you know if your Wi-Fi has been hacked? Here are some signs that your Wi-Fi has been compromised by a hacker and what you can do to prevent it.
How Can Cybercriminals Hack Your Wi-Fi?
The wireless nature of a Wi-Fi network enables multiple devices to connect to it simultaneously. But there are underlying vulnerabilities that attackers exploit to gain unauthorized access to your browsing sessions. They can hack your connectivity in numerous ways…
Retrieving Router’s Default Password
Using your Wi-Fi router’s default password is risky because intruders can figure it out from its settings. Change the password to a unique name immediately after you activate your connection. Once you do that, the default passcode is invalid.
Using Brute-Force Attacks
Changing the default password doesn’t automatically protect your Wi-Fi router against hacking. Threat actors can hack it with brute force by trying multiple username and password combinations to figure out a match. This process is automated to try hundreds of login credentials quickly.
Implementing DNS Hijacking
The hacker may launch a Domain Name System (DNS) hijack which enables them to redirect your traffic from your device to their malicious sites. They do that by altering the queries generated by your Wi-Fi’s DNS. Instead of connecting to legitimate web pages, you’ll connect to their sites where they can retrieve your data.
4 Signs Your Wi-Fi Has Been Hacked
Cybercriminals try to be noninvasive when they infiltrate your Wi-Fi network. But if you are observant, you’ll notice the following signs indicating foul play.
1. Unfamiliar IP Addresses Have Connected
Each device running on an internet network has a unique internet protocol (IP) address. Your Wi-Fi has a list of all IP addresses connected to its router at a time. You may not see the devices on the surface because they are saved in a designated area. Navigate to the IP address section of your device settings to check for unfamiliar tools.
2. Your Browser Is Being Redirected
When intruders compromise your Wi-Fi, your browser will begin to perform functions you didn’t initiate or authorize. For instance, if you type in a specific URL, it will redirect you to a strange website. This isn’t an accident. The threat actor changed your DNS settings, redirecting your browser to malicious sites to retrieve your data.
3. Your Wi-Fi Password Has Changed
Have you noticed that your Wi-Fi password is suddenly incorrect? If you didn’t change it, a hacker did. One of the first things scammers do when they hack your router is to change the password. This is to ensure that you can’t access your account immediately, so they can have control to do whatever they want.
4. Your Internet Connection Is Slow
Even the fastest internet connections get slow sometimes for various reasons. But if your network is unusually slow over a longer period of time, an attacker might be connected to it and performing activities that are slowing it down. A sluggish network occurs when a lot of your bandwidth is consumed, meaning an intruder may be executing high bandwidth-consuming tasks.
How to Prevent Criminals From Hacking Your Wi-Fi
Despite the security threats associated with using Wi-Fi, you can prevent an attack with the following measures.
Activate Encryption Mode
One of the ways attackers retrieve users’ information online is bytapping their communications via eavesdropping attacks. Encryption scrambles your data, so external parties can’t view it even if they got a hold of it. Most modern-day Wi-Fi routers have default encryption features like WPA and WPA2 for additional security. You can activate them in your router’s settings.
Change Your Password Regularly
Your Wi-Fi’s security largely depends on its password. Cybercriminals may have many password-hacking techniques they can try out, but you can beat them to it by cultivating healthy password practices.
Developing strong passwords is highly recommended, but there’s no guarantee that hackers won’t figure them out. To be on the safe side, change your router’s passwords regularly. This will constantly keep intruders on their toes. If they managed to break into your Wi-Fi by figuring out your password, they’ll be blocked out when you change the current password.
Changing passwords regularly is exhausting and difficult to keep up with. You can, however, use a password manager toprevent password fatigueand enjoy better security.
Use VPN in Public Areas
Mobility is one of the benefits of using a Wi-Fi network. You can take the router with you wherever you go including public places. But intruders position themselves in public spaces to compromise users’ internet connections.
Avirtual private network (VPN) protects your Wi-Fi connectivityby hiding your IP address. This makes you invisible on the web while browsing. Using it in public areas protects you from being targeted by criminals who may want to infiltrate your connectivity.
Deactivate Remote Administration
Typically, you need to be near your Wi-Fi router to connect to the network. But advancements in digital technology now enable remote access. You can connect to your Wi-Fi from anywhere, regardless of the distance.
Remote Wi-Fi administration creates a loophole for attackers to leverage. They can connect to your router just like you. Deactivate remote administration unless it’s necessary. Focus on reducing threats to the barest minimum.
Turn Off Wi-Fi When You Aren’t Using It
Inactive Wi-Fi is of no use to anyone, including hackers. They can only connect to the ones that are live and running. Turning off your router when you aren’t using it eradicates threats at that moment. This also helpsprevent your neighbors from using your Wi-Fiin your absence.
Secure Your Wi-Fi by Activating Security Settings
Unlike public networks, using your private Wi-Fi gives you absolute user and security controls. There are various security tools for protecting your device against intrusion; unfortunately, many people don’t activate the features.
The more security layers you have on your Wi-Fi, the better. If criminals bypass one, they’ll have to contend with the others. Prioritize your security by activating as many features in your settings as you deem necessary.
