Almost all of us connect to the Internet through WiFi networks . It is a very practical way to provide our teams with the ability to browse and download files from the network. And while WiFi network systems have improved a lot in terms of speed, stability, and security , we still may run into difficulties. One of the most feared by users is, without a doubt, the fact that an intruder may be taking advantage of our WiFi network . Here are the final keys.
What are the red flags?
Do you suspect that someone may be stealing your WiFi ? Have you detected that your connection is not working correctly for some time now? In that case, we recommend that you watch out for the following warning signs:
- The Internet connection is always slow at certain times of the day. After ruling out technical problems with your service provider, this is the first piece of evidence that you have to take into account. If your connection works slow , but always at very specific times, it would not be surprising if a neighbor was taking advantage of your connection to download content, watch movies, and so on.
- If the router light keeps blinking even though all devices have been turned off. Do the test. Disconnect all equipment that accesses that WiFi network: laptops, desktops, tablets, mobiles, televisions ... If the light continues to blink, here is a clear indication that someone is stealing your WiFi.
How can I check it?
There are different tools that can help you know if you have an intruder. You will have to choose the appropriate one for your computer and operating system. The ones that we propose are the following:
- Microsoft Windows : Wireless Network Watcher
- Android : Fing
- iOS : Fing
If you use the program for Windows, all you will have to do is download this program and open it . As soon as you start it, you will see that the system begins to detect which devices are connected right now. If there is any equipment that you do not recognize , it is most likely that you have detected the intruder. To find out which equipment is connected, you can look at it in its configuration or, what is simpler, disconnect and reconnect each equipment to identify it.
What can I do so that it doesn't happen again?
If you don't want anyone else to be able to cheerfully steal your WiFi , you'll need to take some steps. The main ones are the following:
- Change the access password that comes by default with the router. You will have to do it this time, but it would be nice if you changed it every month as a routine and added a code that was difficult to guess. Do not include simple names, but rather more complicated letter and number combinations. You will also have to modify the password to access the router's configuration panel , since by default it is usually very simple (for example, 1234).
- Don't use the WEP encryption protocol. It is proven that it is not secure and that, in fact, it is like having the WiFi network open. We recommend that you contact your provider to ensure that your router works through the WPA2 encryption protocol.
- Disable DHCP on the router. In this way, you will ensure that when a new computer requests the IP address, it will not be provided. We also recommend turning off the router's WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) , a tool that allows devices to connect with a PIN . It has also been amply demonstrated that it is not a secure protocol.
- Turn off the router when you are not using it. It is a way to reduce the chances of someone accessing your WiFi network, so if you are not going to use it, it will be better off.
If you have any questions regarding the configuration of your router, we recommend that you contact your customer service . They can help you and make certain settings remotely.
And you, have you detected an intruder on your WiFi network?