Is someone stealing your Wi‑Fi? How to detect and secure it
Is your Wi-Fi slowing down recently or even completely disconnecting? This could indicate unauthorized use of your network. Discover how straightforward it is to uncover an internet "thief."
Has your Wi-Fi been acting up for a bit, frequently slowing down or disconnecting entirely? This might mean someone is using your network without your consent. We often don't realize that an unauthorized device can impact our connection, especially if we've previously shared the password with someone.
Check the device lists
A great way to see who's connected to your Wi-Fi is to use your router's configuration interface. The router's manual will provide information on accessing the configuration portal, where you can find options like "Traffic Manager" or "Wireless Network Status."
Once you enter such a section, you'll see a list of all devices using your internet. By excluding your devices, you can quickly identify any "intruders."
How to secure your network?
The easiest step is to change the network password and restart the router. This will force all devices to re-enter the new password. If you have suspicions, you can block specific devices based on their MAC addresses through the router's panel. It's also important to ensure that the encryption type is up to standard—WPA2 or WPA3 should be used to provide adequate network protection.
For better protection, consider replacing the router with a newer model that offers better security and more stable connections. Utilizing modern encryption standards reduces the risk of unauthorized access. With these practical steps, we can enjoy stable internet access and safeguard our home network from "thieves."
