I suspect someone is using my WIFI.

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  1. Posts : 317
    Windows 10 Home
       #1

    I suspect someone is using my WIFI.


    Hi.
    How do I go about kicking unknown users off my WIFI?
    I suspect its been hijacked by people local in this area.

    And I have to admit Wifi is the thing I know even less about.
    I've changed my password once in a while.

    But is there some software tools I could be using to help me remove
    possible users who are using my internet without my permission?

    I get some strange behavior sometimes from my internet
    around specific times of day and night.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,777
    Windows 10 Pro (+ Windows 10 Home VMs for testing)
       #2

    If you change your router's Wi-Fi passphrase then it will disconnect all connected devices. Obviously you will have to use the new passphrase on your own devices to reconnect via Wi-Fi.

    First, though, I would use something like Nir Sofer's small, free, portable Wireless Network Watcher to see what devices are actually connected. You can sit watching it or - using Advanced Options (F9 key) - set it to play a sound when a new Wi-Fi device connects.

    Alternatively, at the bottom of Advanced Options you can set up logging so new Wi-Fi connections are recorded to a file instead of showing on-screen or playing a sound.

    I did this for a friend recently and they discovered two 'mystery' Wi-Fi connections were their smart TV and a Kindle which they had forgotten was in use some evenings.

    Hope this helps...
    Last edited by RickC; 14 Oct 2022 at 08:24.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 783
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    Can you log into your routers admin page and see whats (been)connected?
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  4. Posts : 317
    Windows 10 Home
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Hearsepilot said:
    Can you log into your routers admin page and see whats (been)connected?
    I have not got into that page for a long time not even sure I remember how. But will look into it.
    But cant say I really believe what it shows me.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,117
    windows 10
       #5

    If you want to be really secure you can set on the router Mac address that allowed to connect so only the Mac address you set can connect
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  6. Posts : 1,211
    Windows 10
       #6

    Mac filter set to whitelist only so that it only recognizes and allows your devices you have to tell it which devices though and disable SSID broadcasting.

    Make sure that you use WPA2 or if you have support WPA3 and make sure you use a strong password that consists of alphanumeric + symbol characters both upper and lower case with more than 6 digits in your password.

    - - - Updated - - -

    OtherWay1982 said:
    I have not got into that page for a long time not even sure I remember how. But will look into it.
    But cant say I really believe what it shows me.
    There is no reason not to trust your router if this is the case then you have more serious problems. The router is literally your gateway between your lan and the internet so you need to trust it as in you should know exactly what is happening with it and how open or not open it is. The router is your first line of defense so you also should really know how to make sure if it is locked down or not.

    You don't want someone walking in your front door right? same concept applies here.
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  7. Posts : 16,976
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #7

    OtherWay,

    Malneb said:
    ... disable SSID broadcasting ...
    Don't bother hiding the SSID. The facility is an illusion; network SSIDs get broadcast anyway.
    Debunking Myths Is Hiding Your Wireless SSID Really More Secure - HTG
    why hidden SSIDs are not a security feature - TechNet


    Denis
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,211
    Windows 10
       #8

    care to explain? it still stops some people its like leaving port 21 or any other common port open the same logic applies to SSID as it will stop next doors little kid from trying to connect so he can play some games. Most wifi attack are going to be next doors little kid not some dude sitting out front in his car with an antenna.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 16,976
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #9

    Read the links
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,211
    Windows 10
       #10

    Not reading those i already know what they are going to say

    - - - Updated - - -

    and I also say first line of defense subjectively as it applies to this context. Realistically it should be at the end of the chain but considering op is asking that question then yeah.....
      My Computer


 

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