How to detect if your Wi-Fi is being stolen and what to do about it

Is your internet running slower than usual? Do you suspect someone might be using your connection without permission? Detecting if your Wi-Fi is being hijacked is not only possible, but necessary to protect your privacy and maintain good network performance. Here's how to tell if intruders are connected and what to do to prevent them.

Before getting into technical methods, pay attention to these common signs:

• Your internet is slower than usual.
• Your devices keep disconnecting for no reason.
• You notice unusual activity when you are not using the network.

These signs do not confirm a robbery, but they are a good reason to investigate further.

There are several ways to check which devices are connected:

1. From the router app or panel:

• Access your router from a browser (usually with the address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
• Log in with your username and password.
• Look for the “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Clients” section.
• Review the list and compare with your own devices.

2. Using apps or specialized software:

• Fing (Android/iOS): Shows all devices connected to your network.
• Wireless Network Watcher (Windows): Scans your network and shows who is connected.

If you find unknown devices connected to your network, follow these steps:

1. Change your WiFi password:

• Access the router's dashboard and change the password to a more secure one.
• Use long combinations with letters, numbers and symbols.

2. Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption:

• Make sure your network isn't using older encryption methods like WEP, which are vulnerable.

3. Disable WPS:

• The WPS button, although convenient, can facilitate unauthorized access.

4. Filtering by MAC address:

• You can limit which devices are allowed to connect.

5. Restart the router:

• This can force all devices to disconnect, leaving only those authorized after changing the password.

Beyond corrective measures, it is best to prevent:

• Change your passwords from time to time.
• Use network names (SSIDs) that do not reveal personal information.
• Keep your router firmware up to date.
• Use routers with advanced security features.

Detecting and responding promptly to your Wi-Fi theft is key to protecting your personal information, improving your connection speed, and preventing network misuse. With a few simple adjustments, you can turn your Wi-Fi into a digital fortress , ensuring only you and your devices have access.

Ready to protect your network? In the next article, we'll show you 5 affordable gadgets to make your home more secure without spending money on expensive alarms.