Do you doubt if anyone could hack into your network? It’s the 21st century, and technically that means nothing is impossible. So if you think your network connection has been compromised, it’s probably true. But how can you tell for sure? Can you spot a hacked network connection?
Hackers love to keep their operations stealthy for as long as possible, so it’s unlikely that a compromised network would seem obvious.
When in doubt about your network connection security, sometimes you have to trust your instincts and run a security check, or you could watch out for these signs.
#1- Decreased speed on your Wi-Fi network.
People opt for personal Wi-Fi networks to retain maximum connection speed and total security. A sudden and unexplainable decrease in one’s Wi-Fi connection speed usually is the first sign of a compromised network.
Of course, slow network connections could result from other factors like harsh weather conditions. However, a continuous decrease in your connection speed could be due to a hack in your network.
Before you panic, you should check the list of devices connected to your router. Usually, people connect multiple devices to their Wi-Fi, and hackers like to take advantage of this.
Most hackers use familiar brand names to conceal illegitimate connections to your Wi-Fi. So do well to scrutinize your list of connected devices to confirm the legitimacy of every connected device on your network.
#2- Unknown access request.
Certain computer programs will ask for an administrator’s permission before executing a task, and that’s normal. The anomaly happens when such requests keep coming from an unknown or uninstalled program.
Such requests are often indicators of a hacked network. Here’s why.
When a hacker gains access to your bandwidth, he’d likely plant malware in your computer and try to get you to install it.
These installation requests are sometimes camouflaged as unknown program permission requests and website redirects.
What can you do to push hackers out of your network?
If you’ve confirmed a hack in your network, you can take these steps:
1. Reset and reconfigure your router.
All wireless routers come with a reset button. A push on that button would restore its default settings and scramble every access to the network, and then you can reconfigure your router to suit your security needs.
2. Cancel all remote administration features.
Remote administration on Wi-Fi routers is useful for certain scenarios, but it’s also an open window for potential hacks. Deactivating this feature will invalidate and logout all active remote administration control.
Would you like more information about network security and spotting a hacked network connection? Reach out to our team at AiNET, and we’ll get you started on everything you need to know.