How To Tell If Someone Hacked Your Router

If you suspect you’ve had your WiFi hacked, check if you can access your router with its password. If your password isn’t working or you can’t access your router’s settings, it may be an indication someone has hacked your router – possibly through a brute force attack – and changed the login details. This is a red flag that you’ve had your internet hacked.

Once a cybercriminal has access to your router, they can change the password and other admin settings to deny you access. If this is the case, they may have complete control over your network, and it’s essential to act quickly to address the issue.

Your ISP will generally have a good idea of the usual traffic sent through your router. If you receive an alert from your ISP informing you of unusual activity on your network, you should be concerned and aware that you’ve potentially had your network hacked.

However, it’s very important that you first verify this is a legitimate notification before you take any action to resolve the issue, as phishing attacks often trick people into clicking on links by falsely warning them about security breaches. If in doubt, contact your ISP to ensure the alert is genuine.

Various factors can influence your internet speeds, including the weather, outdated firmware, and router placement. However, if you notice your internet connection is consistently slower than usual, it could indicate that your router has been compromised.

Having an unprotected router can actually mean someone can hack into your phone through WiFi. This is known as session hijacking, and it grants a cybercriminal control over a device, whether it be a desktop computer or smartphone.

Hackers can then move freely through systems, including applications and files, as if they were sitting in front of the device.

If you’ve experienced a ransomware attack – seeing your files being encrypted and your device being locked – you should take a close look at every aspect of your digital security, including your router.

While you could be exposed to ransomware by corrupted files and malicious sites, having an infected router means that every device connected to it could be held to ransom.

It also means that even if you pay off the hackers, any traffic running through the router will remain unsecured, and your devices will remain vulnerable to hijacking if you don’t address the root problem.

A compromised router can be used to download malware onto your devices. If you notice unusual behavior on one or more devices, you should be aware that your router may be infected. Here are some of the warning signs to look out for.

• Browsers redirecting — Hackers can change domain and IP address settings so your browser persistently navigates to a page of their choosing. This will often be a website hosting malware so they can gain further access to your system and information.
• Numerous pop-up ads — Pop-up ads are annoying but generally legit. If you notice a significantly increased number of pop-up ads, scareware notifications, or pop-ups generated by unusual programs, it could be an indication that your router has been hacked.
• Mysterious apps and programs — If you see a program, browser extension, or browser toolbar you don’t recognize, you should check it out and consider deleting it immediately. You could be hit with a drive-by download if you visit a compromised site, and legitimate software can sometimes be bundled with potentially unwanted programs.
• Unusual activity on multiple devices — A hacked router can infect every device that connects to it. If you notice suspicious activity on multiple devices, it could be an indication that your router has been compromised and is a threat to your whole network.