5 Signs Your Wifi Router Is Hacked – And What To Do

Your wifi router is your gateway to the internet, and if it’s hacked it can cause you big problems, from poor performance to malware or ransomware. Criminals can gain access in a number of ways, from exploiting a weak password or taking advantage of unpatched software vulnerabilities to Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking, whereby a hacker changes your router’s DNS settings to redirect your internet traffic. If it happens to you, it's important to act quickly to limit the damage. We look at the steps you should take to secure your router, and how to keep it safe in future.

How To Tell If Your Wifi Is Hacked

Hackers have a number of methods of hacking a wifi router, with weak passwords being the most common. Hundreds of thousands of routers are hacked every year.

If it happens to you, you’ll probably see one or more signs. Your browser may keep redirecting you, for example, or you may find your internet’s slower than usual. Your login credentials or router settings may have been changed without your knowledge. Other signs that your wifi router has been hacked include increased data usage or unusual network activity, or discovering that unfamiliar devices have been connected to your wifi.

Sign 1: Your Browser Keeps Redirecting You

A common symptom of a hacked wifi router is your browser repeatedly redirecting to a different website from the one you planned to visit. These websites may be malicious, and could lead to malware or theft if you enter any information or click on any links.

Sign 2: Your Internet Speed Is Slower Than Usual

Slow internet speeds are a common sign that your wifi router has been hacked: it indicates that your network is being used by someone else who is taking up resources.

Sign 3: Your WiFi Password Has Been Changed

If you discover that your wifi password no longer works, it’s an indication that it's been changed by a hacker. The aim is to stop you having access, and taking control of your network themselves.

Sign 4: Unfamiliar Devices

If a device that isn’t yours is using your wifi connection, it's a sign that it's being operated by a hacker. You should be able to check whether this is the case by using the router’s web interface or mobile app.

Sign 5: Unusual Network Activity

If you see software or an app you didn’t download on more than one device, this may mean that a hacker could have used your network to install malicious software. Similarly, if you spot an increase in your data usage, it could be a sign that hackers are using your connection.

What Should You Do If Your Wifi Is Hacked?

If you suspect that your wifi router has been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the harm that the hackers can cause.

The first step you should take is to disconnect your router and give it a factory reset, after which you should change your password. You should then use an anti-virus package to check all your devices for malware, and deal with any security breaches you find by deleting anything suspect. Update your router’s firmware, and contact your ISP for assistance: it should be able to confirm whether your router has been compromised and guide you through additional security measures.

Step 1: Disconnect And Reset Your Router

Your first step should be to cut off the hacker’s access by disconnecting your router by unplugging it, turning off the power button or disabling wifi. You should then perform a full factory reset by holding the reset button on the router for 15 to 30 seconds and waiting until the LEDs flicker.

Step 2: Change Your Password

According to Broadband Genie, 86% of users have never changed their password — putting it at risk of attack. You should change it now, to something unique and difficult to guess. Do the same with your wifi network, too.

Step 3: Scan For Malware

If hackers have accessed your wifi, they’ve probably gone after your devices too. Scan each one for malware, and remove anything dodgy that you find.

Step 4: Update The Router’s Firmware

It's possible that hackers have gained access to your wifi router because the firmware is out of date. Check your router manufacturer’s website to find the latest firmware version and follow the instructions to carry out an update.

How Can You Protect Your Wifi From Hackers?

The most important way in which you can protect your wifi router from hackers is to change the password to something unique and hard to guess. You should also change the network name.

Enable encryption to the best your router allows, and make sure you always keep its software up to date. You could consider creating a guest network, which allows guests to access the internet using your router but has no ties to your primary network connection, so that guests can’t access your personal network or devices. Your router may also have a firewall — usually already enabled, but it's worth checking and switching it on if not. It may also be worth investing in a virtual private network to make it harder for hackers to gain access.

Bottom Line

If hackers are able to compromise your wifi router, it gives them a way in to all your devices too — and the repercussions can be severe. If it happens to you, though, it’s usually possible to take back control — and there are several simple measures you can take that should keep you safe in future.