How to Know if Someone Hacked Your Router: 9 Warning Signs
Unlike a phone or computer, it’s more challenging to find out if someone hacked your router because the signs are not always obvious. But it isn’t impossible to find out. Last year, CNET reported over 40,000 getting hacked in a single month. And this is because routers make it easier to steal data than a phone or computer. That said, this guide covers the 9 warning signs of hacked routers and what to do to prevent a router from being hacked.
Note: You can prevent router hacking by configuring it with a VPN. Not all VPNs offer router configuration, which is why we recommend FastestVPN. Router configuration lowers the chances of hacking or malware installation on your devices.
How Do Hackers Attack Routers?
Routers are often hacked due to their weak security measures against vulnerabilities and advanced cyber threats. For example, not configuring your router with a VPN, like FastestVPN. Other reasons for a hacked router include:
1. Outdated Software
Router manufacturers release software updates to patch existing security vulnerabilities. If the router’s firmware isn’t updated, security holes might be exploited.
2. Attempt to Gain Device Access
Hackers attack routers to gain access to devices. A breached network paves the way for all possible data theft via WiFi-connected devices.
3. Open or Public WiFi
Simply put, it’s the free WiFi. Any router not protected by a password is a threat. Anyone can connect to the network and attempt to intercept it.
4. Poor Encryption settings
Weak encryption protocols like WEP make it easier for the black hats to break into the WiFi network.
5. Weak or default Passwords
Weak passwords simplify hacking a router or any device. For example, your birth date or your name are common passwords, and cracking them is a breeze.
6. UPnP Vulnerabilities
UPnP can cause various security risks if not configured correctly. It enables hackers to access open ports on the router without permission.
7. Malware and Phishing Attacks
If any device connected to the same WiFi router gets infected with malware, it might exploit the router itself. These might lead to phishing attacks where users get tricked into revealing their sensitive information.
8. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
These are unknown security flaws that hackers can find before the manufacturer is aware. Zero-day vulnerabilities are harder to prevent, but security updates can help patch them.
9. Unsecured Remote Access
Enabling remote management can lead to hackers accessing your router from anywhere.
What Are the Signs of a Hacked Router
According to IBM, you’ve 194 days to detect a breach. After that, the black hats might do more damage than you could control within 3 months. This is why it’s important to look for common signs of a hacked router. Here’s a list of them:
1. Failed Log-in Attempts to Router Settings
If you can’t log in to your router’s settings with your usual admin credentials, that’s the first red flag. A hacker might have changed them to make the admin panel inaccessible.
2. Unrecognized Devices on Your Network
If you see unfamiliar devices and IP addresses connected to the router, those might be unauthorized devices attempting to access the network. It’s best to revoke their access.
3. Increased Data Usage
A sudden surge in data usage is a clear red flag. It shows that a hacker might be using your network for data-heavy activities. However, this can sometimes be hard to notice.
4. Session Hijacking
In some cases, you might experience a partial or complete loss of control over your devices. This might be when controlling the mouse or opening files, which happen on their own. That’s one of the most common signs to consider.
5. Browser Redirects
If your web browser consistently redirects you to unintended or suspicious sites, your router’s DNS settings might have been altered.
6. ISP Alerts
In case of suspicious activities via your network, your ISP will notify you about them. Look for ISP notifications regarding your network if you keep noticing suspicious activities on your network.
7. Spam Messages
Constant spam or ransomware messages are often a consequence of a compromised network.
What to Do if Your WiFi Is Hacked
If you believe your router has been hacked, here are the steps to take:
1. Reset Your Router
If you see all signs and believe your router has been hacked, perform a factory reset to revert the router to its original settings.
- Find the small reset button on your router (at the back or bottom).
- Press and hold the button for 30 seconds until the router indicates a reboot.
- Follow the steps outlined in the router manual, as the instructions vary for each device.
2. Update Router Firmware
Outdated firmware often leads to router hacking. Once you reset the router, recheck if there are any updates on the official website. Furthermore, if any, proceed with them and enable automatic updates.
3. Reconfigure Security Settings
There’s a list of steps that you must take to reconfigure security settings. This ensures protection from future hacking attempts:
- Enable WPA3 Personal encryption on your router, if it supports it. If not, then use WPA2 Persoanl (AES). Moreover, it’s best to avoid WEP or older encryption standards.
- Disable remote management if it’s not necessary. If required, ensure that it’s only restricted to trusted IP addresses.
- Ensure that the router’s built-in firewall is enabled.
- Change the default WiFi network name to something unique to avoid hackers guessing random network names.
- Disable WPS as it can lead to brute-force attacks. Furthermore, you can disable it via the router settings.
- Change the default WiFi network name to something unique. Doing so will protect router and ISP information from hackers.
4. Run an Antivirus Scan
Get a reliable antivirus and run a scan. Look for any malware or virus disguised as files on your device, and clean up if there are any. Meanwhile, run another test to look for remaining threats and clean them up if found.
5. Change Login Credentials
- Change your username and password via the router settings.
- Create a strong password to protect against cyber threats.
- Change your WiFi network (SSID) password to a strong and unique passphrase.
6. Connect to a VPN
Protecting against cyber threats is never easy without a reliable, premium cybersecurity tool, such as a VPN. However, not all VPNs offer it. We recommend getting a VPN that also offers router configuration, such as FastestVPN. Manually configure your router with the VPN and browse the web with guaranteed security protection from hackers.
FAQs - How to Know if Someone Hacked Your Router
Why would someone hack my router?
It might be to steal personal data, see your internet activity, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or use your network for illegal activity. Following that, hacked routers give attackers access to all connected devices and weaken overall network security.
Does resetting the router stop hackers?
Doing so can stop hackers temporarily by removing malware and restoring default settings. However, it won't help if the attacker regains access through weak passwords or outdated software in the long run. Moreover, it's best to update router firmware and use a strong, unique admin password.
Can you fix a hacked router?
Yes, you can fix a hacked router by:
- Performing a factory reset to remove malware
- Updating the firmware
- Setting a strong, unique password
How to check if my internet is hacked?
Check if your internet is hacked by monitoring:
- Unusual network activity
- Unexpected slowdowns
- Unknown devices on your network
- Changes to router settings
Can someone hack my router remotely?
Yes, someone can hack your router remotely if it has:
- Weak passwords
- Outdated firmware
- Enabled remote management
Final Note
It can be challenging to find out if your router was hacked, but looking for common signs is the best help. For example, if you notice extra data usage, unusual activity, unauthorized IP addresses, and get ISP notices, your router has been hacked.
This is why we strongly recommend configuring your router with FastestVPN for elevated protection against cyber threats. Browse our router configuration tutorials and follow them depending on your router model.