Is someone spying on your Wi-Fi? How to sniff out the snoops

Whether it is an intelligent television, a laptop or a coffee machine, more and more devices use our Wi-Fi. An unpleasant side effect of this digital diversity: rumors on the national data highway are sometimes barely noticeable.

In other words, until something is wrong. If the Internet suddenly becomes slowly slow or if you feel that something is wrong with your domestic network, it’s time to go to the bottom of it.

In this guide, we show you a simple tip to know if foreigners have had access to your Wi-Fi and how to block them for good.

A door open to your home network? Why should you regularly check your Wi-Fi

A badly secure Wi-Fi network is like a door open to your private digital life. Not only have users not allowed users on your bandwidth (and slow it down), but in the worst case, they can also access shared files or connected devices. As an account holder, you may even be held responsible for legal problems, such as downloads or illegal downloads. This is why you should always secure your Wi-Fi and your router.

Here are some signs of unwanted users in your home network:

• Internet is permanently slow, even if no one (known) is currently broadcasting or downloading anything.
• You see new or unknown devices on the network.
• You notice a strange behavior of devices (smart light or smart speakers suddenly come).
• The router shows unusually high use.

Note: For optimal performance, maximum safety and access to modern features (including intruder protections), we recommend that you use the latest router models.

How to detect unknown devices on your Wi-Fi

Foundry

The easiest way to see all devices currently in your Wi-Fi is via the user interface of your router.

This is how you can find this overview of the common routers:

1. Open a browser on a device connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Enter Router address. It is 192.168.0.1 / / 192.168.1.1 For many models of routers.
3. Connect with your router password (often found at the bottom of the device).
4. Access the menu item Domestic network -> Connected devices Or Preview.
5. Here, you will see a list of all devices currently logged in, including the name, IP address and Mac address. (Mac address is a single device identifier and is similar to a digital digital imprint).

Advice: Take a note from the known devices. Unknown names or foreign manufacturers may be indications for non -invited devices.

Check unknown devices and delete them from your home network

If you have found a device in the list you do not recognize, here is what to do next:

1. Identify the suspicious device: Check if it is really an unknown device. Sometimes, the names of legitimate devices can be cryptic but harmless (for example, printers or smart taken). If in doubt, briefly disconnect all your own Wi-Fi devices, then check the devices still connected.
2. Block a device: Many routers allow you to block individual devices or constantly refuse them access. Here’s how to do it:
   • For other routers: Search for a Mac filter or a parental control.
3. Modify Wi-Fi password: This step is now OBLIGATORY. If you suspect that someone has acquired unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi, be sure to modify the Wi-Fi password. Share only the new password with people and devices you trust.
4. Choose a secure network key: Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and a strong password with at least 12-16 characters. The password must be made up of letters, figures and special and tiny special characters. You must always replace the factory’s default passwords after buying a router.

Advice: A password manager helps you create complex access data and store them safely.

Watch your network and stay in control

vest

To improve your Wi-Fi safety and stay up to date on what’s going on, you can use additional tools or applications:

Practical tools for Wi-Fi monitoring::

• Wifiman (Android | iOS): a clear network monitoring application that (among others) recognizes the devices and can measure the quality of the signal.
• Vest (Android | iOS): displays all connected devices, including the manufacturer, name, IP and Mac address.
• Wireshark (PC | Mac): For professionals to analyze network traffic.
• Routeur manufacturer’s application: Many routers offer their own applications with which you can consult your Wi-Fi or control access.

Conclusion: foreigners using your Wi-Fi? It shouldn’t happen

Looking at your router menu, you can easily find out who is on your network. And in a few clicks, you can make sure that the devices that really belong to access. Our recommendation: take Wi -Fi security seriously – is the first line of defense in your digital home.