slow internet, warnings Spam emails And consumption in excess of normal is some of the consequences when a neighbor misuses your Wi-Fi signal. This kind of situation is not only annoying but can present many risks, as your public IP address is shared with individuals you do not know who may use it in illegal practices.
Therefore, the take you Separate some signs that your network is being used by third parties without your permission as well as some tips on how to prevent this kind of situation,
Learn how to protect your wireless Internet from unwanted visitors – Photo: Disclosure / TP-Link
Internet at a lower speed than usual is an indication of a connection theft – Image: Reproduction / Cancel Splash
When it comes to wireless connections, moments of slow internet are common. But if you have performed all the basic actions (rebooting the router, changing the Wi-Fi channel, repositioning the antennas, etc.) and the Internet is still slow, then it is possible that someone is using your signal incorrectly.
A simple way to check this is to turn off all devices connected to the Wi-Fi network and access the router app on your smartphone. If it indicates some bandwidth consumption, this is a sign that your neighbor might be stealing your internet.
2. Unknown devices
In the settings of the router, all devices connected to it are listed – Photo: Reproduction / Fernando Telles
The best way to find out if someone is using your internet is to go to your router settings. There you can check all the devices connected to the network. If a device you don’t know appears, it’s probably the intruder visitor.
The problem with this method is that depending on the router model, the tool model is not selected through MAC address. But there is a solution to this, which is Download a specific program To discover devices connected to your network.
Use of your IP by third parties can trigger spam alerts – Image: Disclosure / Tenda
Spam alerts are a defensive mechanism for many websites to prevent attacks. DDoS It can overload the server and cause various problems, such as removing it. Therefore, it may happen that you are trying, for example, to perform a file search The Google and receive a spam alert to verify that you are not a bot.
If this happens with some frequency, it is very likely that your network is being used by third parties. Since the public IP address is the same for all devices within the network, it is very likely that a thief will use your IP address to do some less noble activity.
The ads you don’t usually see are another warning that someone might be using your network – Photo: Marcela Franco/TechTudo
As with spam alerts, it is possible that you will receive different advertisements than usual when someone steals your Wi-Fi. Some personalized ads are targeted via a user’s IP address, so if an intruder accesses content you wouldn’t normally consume, it could change the type of ads you receive on devices.
How do you prevent them from invading your Wi-Fi?
1. Use stronger passwords
A good password increases protection against hackers – Photo: Disclosure / Mercusys
The simplest way to prevent others from using your Wi-Fi connection is to use a file strong password, preferably with numbers and special characters. Also, use the protocol safety WPA2 / AES or new WPA 3 To prevent hackers from discovering your password. It is also recommended to change the password from time to time to make life difficult for hackers.
The WPS button makes life easier for unwanted visitors – Photo: Anna Keelen/TechTudo
the supplier WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is present in most routers modern. It eliminates the need for a password to connect devices, you only need to press a button on the router to make the call. The problem is that WPS communicates via an eight-digit PIN, which can be easily detected using online tools. Therefore, to increase security, it is better disable option when not in use.
3. Block intrusive devices
MAC address filtering increases network security – Photo: Reproduction / Paulo Alves
The most extreme position is to allow Only authorized devices can connect to the network. Most routers have this feature. Thus, whenever a tool from outside the list attempts to connect, the connection will be rejected. This option can easily be turned off to allow new devices to be licensed.
4. Keep your router up to date
A router firmware update ensures greater protection against vulnerabilities – Photo: Isabela Giantomaso / TechTudo
Router manufacturers are always looking for potential vulnerabilities and bugs that can be exploited by hackers. Therefore, it is important to always keep your device up to date to prevent your connection from being compromised.
Usually, the update can be done through the settings of the router and the user is notified whenever there is a new one. Firmware Available. There are also cases where you need to go to the manufacturer’s website to download the latest version.
If your device is too old and no longer receiving updates, consider purchasing a file latest model To ensure greater protection.
In the video below, learn how to set a Wi-Fi router password
How to set a Wi-Fi router password
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