A router is the main gateway to the internet world in your home. This is the device that connects all your devices to the internet, and often, we ignore the security of the router. However, what happens if your router has been hacked?
Routers are often easy targets for hackers who want to access your personal information, change your network settings, or use your bandwidth for illegal activities.
If your router gets hacked, you may not be aware immediately. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of a hacked router. When you suspect that your router has been hacked, it’s important to take immediate action to recover it and protect it from future attacks.
A hacked router can cause serious security issues, including data theft, unauthorized access to your network, and even hardware damage. In this article, we will discuss the common signs that indicate that your router has been hacked and how to fix a hacked router.
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Signs of a Hacked Router
Several signs could indicate that your router has been hacked. Some of them are:
- Your internet speed slows down drastically for no apparent reason. This could be because hackers are using your bandwidth to download or upload data or perform denial-of-service (DoS) attacks against other websites.
- Your router settings change without your knowledge. For example, your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) or password changes, your router’s IP or DNS address changes, or security features like firewalls or encryption are disabled.
- The foreign device is connected to your Wi-Fi network. You can check the list of devices connected to your router through your router’s web administration interface. If you see an unknown or suspicious device, it’s most likely that your router has been hacked.
- Suspicious activity on your device. For example, you receive spam or phishing emails, your browser redirects to a fake or malicious website, or your antivirus program or firewall din 5. Strange Notice from Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Strange Notice from Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may notify you of suspicious activity associated with your IP address. This is a serious sign that your router may have been hacked. Turn it off.
If you experience any of the above signs, take immediate action to repair your router and protect your network and data.
How to Fix a Hacked Router
If you suspect that your router has been hacked, there are steps you can take to fix it and prevent it from happening again. Here are the steps:
- Disconnect the internet from your router. This will prevent hackers from further accessing your network and data. To do this, unplug the Ethernet cable from your router or modem, or turn off the Wi-Fi connection from your device.
- Reset your router to factory settings. This will delete all settings that have been changed by hackers and restore your router to its original state. To do this, find the reset button on the back or bottom of your router, and press it with a needle or paper clip for 10 seconds. Alternatively, log in to your router’s web administration interface and select the reset option there.
- Update your router’s firmware. Firmware is the software that controls the functions and features of your router. Updating firmware can fix security vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. To do this, go to the web administration interface of your router and look for the firmware update option in the settings menu. Alternatively, visit your router manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware for your router model.
- Change your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. This will prevent hackers and foreign devices from reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network. Choose a network name that is unique and not easy to guess, and create a strong, random password consisting of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use personal information like your name, date of birth, or address as your network name or password.
- Change the administration password of your router. This will prevent hackers from accessing your router’s web administration interface and changing your network settings. Create a strong, random password as mentioned above, and don’t use the default password provided by your router manufacturer.
- Enable your router’s security features. This will protect your network from hacker and malware attacks. Some security features you can enable are:
- Firewall. These are systems that block suspicious or malicious network traffic. Firewalls are usually enabled by default on routers, but you can check and adjust their settings through your router’s web administration interface.
- Encryption. It is a process that converts data into code that cannot be read by others. Encryption can prevent hackers from snooping or stealing your data as it is sent or received over your Wi-Fi network. The most secure type of encryption for Wi-Fi is WPA2 or WPA3, which you should choose when setting up your Wi-Fi network.
- MAC filter. This is a feature that lets you determine which devices can connect to your Wi-Fi network based on their MAC address, which is a unique code that identifies each device. MAC filters can help you control access to your Wi-Fi network and prevent extraneous devices from entering.
- Check and clean your device. If your router is hacked, chances are that your device is also infected with malware or spyware that can steal data or cause further damage. To do this, run a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program on all devices connected to your network, and remove any suspicious or unwanted programs or files. Also, change all your online passwords, especially for important accounts like email, social media, or banking.
Conclusion
A router is an important device that connects your device to the internet, but it’s also vulnerable to hacker attacks. If your router is hacked, you can experience various issues such as slow internet speed, changed router settings, foreign devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, or suspicious activity on your device.
To fix a hacked router, you should immediately disconnect the internet from your router, reset your router to factory settings, update your router’s firmware, change your Wi-Fi network name and password, change your router’s administration password, enable your router’s security features, and check and clean your device.
By performing these steps, you can restore the functionality and security of your router, and protect your network and data from hacker threats.
I hope you find this article useful. Thanks for reading!