How to Tell If Someone Hacked Your Router: 10 Signs + Tips

Imagine this: You’re streaming your favorite show when your internet slows to a crawl or strange devices appear on your network. Could your router be hacked? Knowing if someone hacked your router can save your personal information and keep your devices secure.

Luckily, there are 10 clear signs that tell you if your router is compromised. Learn about them, what to do if your Wi-Fi is hacked and tips to secure your smart home network against potential threats.

10 Signs Someone Hacked Your Router

If your router has been compromised, it can wreak havoc on your home network, from stolen data to frustrating internet slowdowns. Here are the 10 most common signs your internet is tapped and how to deal with them effectively.

1. Suspicious IP Addresses Accessing Your Network

Your router keeps a log of devices and IP addresses connected to your network. If you notice unfamiliar IP addresses, it could mean someone has gained unauthorized access. Hackers might be using your connection for illegal activities or snooping on your data.

What to do about it: Regularly check your router’s admin dashboard for unknown devices or IPs. If you see suspicious activity, kick off unrecognized devices and change your Wi-Fi password immediately.

2. Ransomware Emails or Messages

If you receive threats claiming your data has been stolen or locked, your router might be compromised. Hackers can use your network to intercept sensitive information, leaving you vulnerable to ransomware attacks.

What to do about it: Enable strong encryption like WPA2 or WPA3 on your router to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.

3. Session Hijacking

This occurs when a hacker takes over your active internet session, potentially gaining access to your accounts or devices. It’s often caused by weak router security or outdated firmware.

What to do about it: Update your router’s firmware regularly to patch vulnerabilities. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities unless you’re using a VPN.

4. Unfamiliar Apps or Programs

Hackers may install malware or strange software on your devices through your router. If you notice unknown apps or programs, it’s a clear sign that your network might be compromised.

What to do about it: Run a security scan on your devices and reset your router to factory settings if needed.

5. Reduced Internet Speed

Sudden, unexplained internet slowdowns can be a sign of someone using your bandwidth. Hackers might be downloading large files, streaming or running illegal activities on your network.

What to do about it: Check for unknown devices connected to your network. Use a tool like NetSpot to analyze Wi-Fi activity and identify potential intruders.

6. Router Login Issues

If you’re unable to access your router’s admin page, someone might have changed your login credentials. This could allow them to take full control of your network.

What to do about it: Reset your router to its factory settings to regain access. Immediately set a new, strong password for both your Wi-Fi and admin login.

7. Imitation Antivirus Messages

Seeing fake “Your connection is not private” errors or fake antivirus warnings could indicate DNS hijacking via your router. Hackers redirect you to malicious websites, hoping you’ll click on harmful links.

What to do about it: Change your router’s DNS settings to a trusted provider like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

8. Internet Provider Alerts

Your internet service provider (ISP) might notify you of suspicious activity, like unusual data usage or flagged IP addresses. This can be a sign your network is being misused or accessed remotely.

What to do about it: Contact your ISP to verify the alert and take recommended steps, such as updating your router’s firmware or replacing outdated hardware.

9. Pop-Up Ads

Excessive or inappropriate pop-up ads can mean a hacker has compromised your router’s DNS settings, redirecting your browsing to ad-heavy or malicious websites.

What to do about it: Use a malware removal tool to scan all connected devices and restore your router’s DNS to default settings.

10. Web Browser Redirects

If you’re frequently redirected to suspicious websites, your router may have been compromised. Hackers can use this technique to collect sensitive information or install malware on your devices.

What to do about it: Reset your router, enable security features like WPA3 encryption and avoid clicking on unknown links.

What to Do If Your Router Is Hacked

If you’ve noticed suspicious activity or any of the above 10 signs on your network, it’s time to take action. Follow these steps to regain control and protect your devices from future attacks.

Step 1: Disconnect Your Router

Unplugging your router from its power source immediately halts any ongoing malicious activity. This also prevents hackers from accessing connected devices or continuing to exploit your network.

By disconnecting your router, you can ensure no further data is transmitted while you assess the situation and decide your next steps.

Step 2: Reset Your Router

Perform a factory reset to clear any unauthorized changes made to your router’s settings. This will restore the device to its original configuration, erasing any backdoors hackers may have left behind.

Most routers have a reset button you can press and hold for 10-30 seconds. Once reset, you’ll need to reconfigure your network, including setting a strong password and enabling encryption.

Step 3: Update Your Account Passwords

If a hacker accessed your network, they might have also intercepted sensitive login credentials. Update passwords for your Wi-Fi, router admin page and any accounts you’ve accessed while connected to the network.

Use strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.

Step 4: Update the Router’s Firmware

Outdated firmware can leave your router vulnerable to attacks like an evil twin attack or other exploits. Firmware updates patch known vulnerabilities and improve overall security.

Visit the manufacturer’s website or your router’s admin dashboard to check for updates. Download and install the latest firmware version to ensure your router is protected against current threats.

6 Ways to Protect Your Router

Securing your router is the first step in keeping your home network safe. These six tips will help you protect your router from hackers and ensure your internet stays private and reliable.

Use a Strong Password

Weak or default passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your router. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Use our password generator to save some time.

If you’re wondering what someone can do with your Wi-Fi password, the answer is a lot — from stealing your data to using your network for illegal activities. Never share your password unnecessarily, and update it regularly.

Keep Your Router’s Software Up-to-Date

As mentioned, outdated firmware can leave your router vulnerable to attacks. Manufacturers release updates to patch security flaws and improve performance.

Check your router’s admin dashboard or the manufacturer’s website periodically to ensure your software is up-to-date. This simple step is essential to prevent breaches.

Create a Unique Service Set Identifier (SSID)

The SSID is the name of your Wi-Fi network, and using the default one can make your network an easy target. Hackers often look for common SSIDs to exploit, knowing they are rarely secured properly.

Choose a unique SSID that doesn’t reveal personal information, such as your name or address. This adds another layer of security and makes your network less enticing to attackers.

Turn Remote Access Off

Remote access allows you to manage your router from anywhere, but it can also provide hackers with an entry point. If you don’t need it, disable this feature to close that potential vulnerability.

To check if someone is messing with your internet, log in to your router and look for the remote access setting — disable if enabled.

Upgrade to a WPA2 or WPA3 Router

Old routers that use WEP or WPA encryption are far easier to hack. Upgrading to a router that supports WPA2 or WPA3 encryption makes it significantly harder for attackers to break in.

If you’re wondering if Wi-Fi can be hacked, the answer is yes — but modern encryption methods like WPA3 can keep you far safer. Make sure to enable this setting in your router’s configuration.

Install Protection Software

Install network protection software or a firewall to monitor activity and block malicious attempts. Many software options are designed specifically to detect intrusions and protect IoT devices like baby monitors or smart home hubs.

This extra layer of security helps guard against malware and ensures peace of mind when using sensitive devices on your network.

Protect Yourself From Hackers With Panda Security

Knowing how to tell if someone hacked your router is the first step toward protecting your home, but it’s useless if you don’t take any further action to secure your Wi-Fi.

Don’t let cybercriminals take over your network. With tools like Panda Dome, you can monitor your devices, block unauthorized access and keep your personal information safe.

FAQ

Have more questions about router security? Here are answers to some of the most common concerns to help you better protect your network.

How Can You Tell If Someone Is Accessing Your Router?

You can check your router’s admin dashboard for connected devices and look for any unfamiliar ones. Other signs your internet is tapped include slowed speeds, unexpected settings changes and unauthorized access attempts.

Can Someone Hack My Router Remotely?

Yes, if your router uses weak passwords, outdated firmware or has remote access enabled, hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities. Secure your network by disabling remote access and upgrading to WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.

What Can Someone Do With Access to Your Router?

If someone hacks your router, they can steal sensitive data, monitor your internet activity or even redirect your web traffic to malicious sites. They might also compromise connected devices, putting your entire smart home at risk.

How Do You Find Out If Your IP Address Has Been Hacked?

Look for unusual activity, such as unknown devices using your network, frequent disconnections or receiving alerts from your internet provider. You can also use online tools to check if your IP is listed in databases like Shodan.