Too many people take the convenience of internet availability for granted to appreciate how vulnerable they have become to cyber attacks.
Does your internet slow down to a crawl often? Are you noticing that unsolicited apps and programs are being autonomously installed on your laptop, tablet, or smart device?
Have you ever noticed the names of unknown devices popping up on your internet network directory?
Are you getting ransomware messages in your email inbox that you’ve been ignoring?
If you have noticed any of these issues recently, then you may have cause for worry.
And if you have an internet router in your home, then you are incredibly vulnerable to having your router cyber hacked. Honestly, anyone with an internet router is a target for a cyberattack.
And the scariest part is that your hacker could be next door or on the other side of the world because of modern technology, A.I. algorithms, and internet bots. The worst part is that governments can be just as helpless against cyber hackers as small businesses or private citizens.
It is almost impossible for billion corporations and governments to unmask cyberattackers. Ransomware cyberhackers crippled the Costa Rican government in April 2022.
Numerous local, state, and federal American agencies have also been the victims of ransomware cyberattacks in recent years.
Over 91% of cyberattacks are facilitated via unsuspecting victims opening suspicious email messages.
A new cyber attack is initiated somewhere online almost every 39 seconds.
Additionally, cyberattacks are progressively becoming more technologically advanced, sophisticated, deceptive, and socially engineered to be hard to recognize and detect until it’s too late.
And if government agencies are grappling with this issue, what can small business owners and private citizens with internet router networks do to cope?
Don’t worry. We got you covered. Here are several ways to tell if someone has hacked your router.
TriStar Security Services, headquartered in Austin, Texas, always prioritizes installing your security systems according to your needs.
Related: Can Wired Security Cameras Be Hacked?
Inability to Control Your Computer or Devices
Have you ever noticed your laptop’s or smart device’s mouse moving around without your input as if it had a mind of your own?
An unseen cyber hacker was probably linking to your device and commandeering control. And they were probably at it long before you even noticed.
This unseen cyber hacker has probably discerned your passwords. And now, your operating system, computer files, financial data, and any information on your system are theirs for the taking.
If you lose immediate control of your computer or device, your router has undoubtedly been hacked.
If you ever notice this, immediately disconnect your devices and then disconnect the compromised router from your modem. Immediately reset your router.
Unsolicited and Unfamiliar Apps and Software
Cyberhackers can remotely and deceptively install camouflaged malware onto your laptop and devices via your hacked router.
And the worst part about this deception is that you won’t notice the problem until it is far too late to do something about it.
Think about it – how often does your computer inform you that it must reboot to install new cybersecurity or utilitarian update patches and software? You usually see window icons, toolbars, or apps that you may glance at before but don’t think about after.
However, a cyber hacker can use your compromised router to install fake antivirus alerts, browser toolbars, apps, popup ads, and other programs designed to steal your data and monitor your online activity.
Worse, malware and computer viruses can spread through your router network to other connected devices like a biological virus. So, if one device on the network is compromised, it is safe to assume that every device on the network is compromised.
If you notice unsolicited and unknown software on your devices, make sure to manually uninstall the programs. Then reset your router and immediately change all of your passwords.
And then immediately run a cybersecurity checkup via your antivirus software.
Slow Internet
Slow internet speeds at peak usage times are unavoidable in using the internet via a network router in your building or neighborhood.
Slow internet can sometimes be the equivalent of rush hour traffic in the digital world. Everyone person on the network may get on the internet at the same time on every available device.
And because there is only so much bandwidth available in most areas, your internet speed will crawl to a standstill until more users log off the network. Slow internet speeds could also be caused by operational issues, system repairs, or updates conducted by your provider.
So, having a slow internet network can be normal in many circumstances.
But not in all.
A cyber hacker could be using your router to distribute malware and bots to every device registered on your and other networks. Or they may be using your free laptop storage space for illegal crypto mining. They may just be using your router for internet piggybacking as well.
If you believe your internet speed is slowing down for malicious reasons, reset your router and change your passwords.
Browser Hijacking
Browser hijacking is the creepiest sign that someone has hacked your internet router.
A DNS is also known as a Domain Name System. A DNS is an internet identification system that matches web domains against the numeric IP addresses that operate through them.
A smart cyber hacker can hack your router, change your DNS settings according to their preferences, and then remotely redirect your internet traffic to go to a corrupted DNS server of their choosing.
So, what does this all mean?
Whenever you log onto the internet, your hacked router and DNS server will now only direct you to one or several specific websites with malicious intent. These websites will steal your data or install malware on your network devices.
If this happens, immediately change your DNS operational settings and password. And then scan your devices with an antivirus checkup.
What Should I do If Someone Hacks My Router?
Contact TriStar Security Services today.
TriStar can offer you cybersecurity options, access control, and access to the best security consultants and specialists in Austin, Texas.
Contact TriStar today for a consultation on flexible security options that can be customized to your needs.