Check if Someone is Using your WiFi

Check if Someone is Using your WiFi

Are you experiencing sluggish internet connection, you can't play games normally, or can't stream your favorite shows online? You have to investigate on what's happening on your network. You should keep vigilant when it comes to your home / small business internet network because it's important to keep hackers away.

How do hackers get into your WiFi Network?

- You gave the password - the most common mistake is giving away your WiFi password to anyone that comes into your home. Okay, it is a custom for us Filipino to be hospitable but better choose people you know personally.
- You did not change the Default Password - the default WiFi passwords from ISPs (Internet Service Providers) like PLDT and Globe are common or has a pattern that is already decrypted by hackers / computer enthusiasts. 

- Password too easy /common - most home networks use their family name as password and that makes home WiFi network vulnerable. Passwords must not contain any personal information. Check out this tips on how to select good passwords: Mahirap maHack na Password Pinoy Style
- You don't change your Password regularly - according to digital security experts, a password must be changed regularly 3-4 times a year or when you experience attacks on your network.

How to check all of the Clients / Users in your WiFi network

1. Assess your gadgets / devices make an inventory. This will help you later to determine the unwanted devices.

2. Access your router settings. For details check the manufacturer's manual. If the routers were given by the ISP contact their customer support and ask the access information like username and password.

3. For example, the PLDT routers can be accessed by opening an internet browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

4. Go to "192.168.1.1" (exclude ""). A login page will show then put your login credentials.

ROUTER LOGIN PAGE
sample router login page

5. After successful login, a GUI router settings will appear. Check the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) settings.

6. Go to Setup.

Router's setup

7. Under LAN (Local Area Network) choose DHCP.

LAN - DHCP

8. A new page will show. Click on the show client.

Click on client

9. A new window will open / pop-up. There will be a table that shows all of the clients connected on your network plus the IP addresses and Mac addresses of the connected devices.

DHCP Table

10. Counter check from the list (from number 1). You can check the IP address from your device network settings or if the device name doesn't ring a bell better change your password or block the device.

You can also see the number of users on your WiFi Network so you can have an idea why your internet is very slow.


*Note that this example tutorial is for PLDT routers only.
**Other routers may be different in GUI (Graphical User Interface) but the terms/procedure is somehow the same.
***This post does not promote hacking in any way. It's just a way to secure your network.

A secure network will not just protect our information but also help us in our day to day activities on the Internet. This is just one way to protect your home network from hackers so better stay vigilant at all time. Protect your resources because you are paying that kind of service don't let anyone without your permission to access them especially in the Philippines where having a quality and reliable internet connection is a luxury.

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