WiFi & Router
My WiFi Has Been Hacked — What to Do?
Slow connection, unknown devices on your network, your router light blinking oddly? Your WiFi may be hacked. Here's how to check and secure your network in 10 minutes — no tech expertise needed.
🔍 Signs your WiFi has been hacked
⚠️ Warning signs to watch for
- Slow connection for no reason — someone is using your bandwidth
- Unknown devices in your router's device list
- Router light blinking when all your devices are off
- Unusually high data usage on your bill
- Frequent disconnections — someone is disrupting your network
- Your passwords have changed without you doing it
✅ How to check who's connected to your WiFi
- Log into your router Open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 (or 192.168.0.1). Enter your login — often "admin" / "admin" or printed on the router label.
- Find "Connected Devices" Look for a section called "Devices", "Connected Clients" or "DHCP". You'll see everything connected to your network.
- Identify unknown devices Compare with your own: phones, TV, computers, tablets... Anything you don't recognise is suspicious.
- Note suspicious MAC addresses Each device has a unique address (e.g. A4:B2:C3...). Note any you don't recognise.
💡 Easier alternative
- Download Fing (free, iOS & Android) — it scans your network in 30 seconds and lists all connected devices with their name and brand.
🛡️ How to secure your WiFi in 10 minutes
- Change your WiFi password Go to your router's WiFi settings → "WiFi Key" or "Password". Choose at least 12 characters with uppercase, numbers and symbols. E.g. MyDog!Blue2025#
- Change your router admin password The default "admin/admin" is known by everyone. Change it in your router settings → "Administration".
- Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption In WiFi settings → "Security". Choose WPA3 if available, otherwise WPA2. Never use WEP or open networks.
- Disable WPS WPS (the quick-connect button) is a known vulnerability. Disable it in your router's WiFi settings.
- Update your router firmware Look for "Update" or "Firmware" in the settings. Updates patch security vulnerabilities.
- Create a guest network for visitors Enable "Guest Network" on your router. Give this separate WiFi to visitors — they won't have access to your personal devices.
📊 Which WiFi encryption to choose?
| Protocol | Security level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| WPA3 | Excellent | ✅ Use if available |
| WPA2 | Good | ✅ Recommended standard |
| WPA | Weak | ⚠️ Avoid if possible |
| WEP | Very weak | ❌ Disable immediately |
| Open (none) | None | ❌ Absolute danger |
✅ Key takeaways
- Check connected devices via your router interface or the Fing app
- Change your WiFi password: 12+ characters, complex
- Enable WPA2 or WPA3, disable WEP and WPS
- Create a guest network for visitors
- Update your router firmware regularly
Worried about your network?
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🤖 Ask CyberGuard →📚 The complete guide in PDF
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