The method only works if every wireless-capable device is powered down which may not be an easy task.
Published: Thu 29 Nov 2018, 2:56 PM
Updated: Thu 29 Nov 2018, 5:01 PM
Have you encountered slow internet speed on your Wi-Fi device? If yes then someone is supposedly using your Wi-Fi.
If the wireless signal light on your router continues to flicker in spite it being switched off, it is possible that you got Wi-Fi thieves in your vicinity. However, this method only works if every wireless-capable device is powered down which may not be an easy task.
According to Digital Trends, there are two methods which can let you know if at all your Wi-Fi is being used by unauthorised users.
Method 1: App that help
Several apps available online, provide automatic searches for unusual devices logged into your Wi-Fi network. Here are a few apps that can help.
Wi-Fi Inspector: This Chrome download reveals all devices hooked onto your network, including important details like device names, IP addresses, and more. Downside is may have a few ads on this app.
Paessler PRTG Router Monitoring: This is one full suite of router management tools, including automatic detection of strange traffic, analysis of how the network is being used, and other in-depth tools. This is proves more useful tool for small businesses and can be tried for 30-day free trial.
F-Secure Router Checker: F-Secure is a web-based tool, avoiding any downloads. It is useful for more serious hacking, specifically, for someone using hidden setting tweaks to hijack your internet.
Wireless Network Watcher: This helps Windows and MacOS users to look out for Wi-Fi thieves and is similar to Wi-Fi Inspector. However, this one has broader compatibility if you don't want to use a Google app.
Fing: Fing is an iOS download for more mobile-oriented protection and immediately alerts if any devices are connected, their types and nature of their connection, MAC address, and so on.
Method 2: Check administrator logs
Log in to your router's administration page to locate the page listing the various Media Access Control (MAC) addresses connected to your computer. The location of this page will differ depending on your router, but it can be found under "wireless configuration", "wireless status" or in the "DHCP client" list. You can use this list to count how many devices are connected to your internet.
Moreover, it is worth noting that old phones, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi enabled cameras, and other connected devices are likely show up on the MAC address list. So, to get a better idea on which MAC address represents which device, a website like macvendors.com can be used.
Also, if you don't have a password on your network, adding one is advisable. While, changing your password once in a while is also beneficial as it will disable unwarranted devices connected to your router. To change your password, look for the pre-shared key in your security settings. You can also change your router name by locating the Service Set Identifier which is found in the wireless settings menu.
Lastly, it's important to use the strongest wireless network encryption available for consumers, which is currently WPA2. In case your router is 2006 model, it may not be compatible with WPA2 encryption.
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