Secure WiFi? How to Tell if Someone is Stealing Your WiFi

Summary: This 3-minute article explains how you can tell if someone is hijacking your WiFi signal and what you can do to stop them. Computer repairs and maintenance are more complex than ever. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ for remote and onsite repairs and maintenance.

Do You Suspect Someone is Stealing Your WiFi?

Pirating WiFi signals is not as common as it used to be when many users did not utilize basic network security. However, having unauthorized use of your network is still possible. Beyond a neighbor “sharing” your signal, a cybercriminal can use such access in various ways. If you suspect that someone is stealing your WiFi, there are a few things you can do:

• Disconnect Your Devices and Check Your Status Lights – If possible, log all your devices off your network. Once you are sure all the devices are offline, if the status lights on your router are still flashing, indicating WiFi is in use, you probably have an unauthorized user sharing your signal.
• Purchase a WiFi App For Your Mobile Device – There are numerous apps available from the App Store that can identify all the devices connected to your network. By scanning the list, users might notice devices that are not theirs. Many devices will have easily recognizable names, like “Harry’s Desktop,” “Carole’s Cellphone” or “Living Room Light.” However, some are listed as "unknown devices.” It can be complicated to isolate and remove unauthorized WiFi access without correct and specific device names. Many modern routers have mobile apps to support user control. These mobile apps can help visualize your network map and identify authorized connections and unauthorized users better.

SMB Alert: Understand Your WiFi Security Settings

Unsecured WiFi is the equivalent of leaving a safe unlocked, with the door open and a neon sign pointing at it saying “GET MONEY HERE!” Unsecured WiFi also transmits “data packets” between the router and users without encryption, making them easy to hijack. WiFi security has come a long way. WPA2-PSK (AES) is the most widely available and secure setting for current routers. There are more cyber security settings and options available for more advanced routers. IT experts should be consulted to obtain the most robust network security for your small to midsized business network.

There are two primary components of Network Security:

• Threat Control – Threat Control is a simplified term for cyber security. It encompasses all the layers of defenses available to protect a WiFi network and all of its endpoint devices from cyberattacks.
• Access Control – Access Control refers to the steps necessary to ensure that only authorized users can gain access to your network. However, even with layers of protection to block unauthorized use and attacks on a WiFi network, there are many ways that bad actors can compromise your network and breach your data.

SMBs Should Get Help From Professional IT Consulting Services

Nothing is more important than protecting your small business’s hard-earned data and network security is too vital to leave to chance. Also, time is always money and IT professionals can help you make informed and cost-conscious decisions about network setup, cyber protection, computer repairs and how best to protect and maintain the integrity of your entire system. They can also ensure your system has strong network security from the start. In addition, when your system goes down, they can help you get back up and running fast. Finally, continuous remote and onsite IT support will help maintain your system and keep it running safely and efficiently.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized computer network installation, repairs, integration, upgrades, and maintenance for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of IT experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions from “Why is my system running slower than usual?” to “Is someone stealing my WiFi?” More importantly, when your business network goes down, they will perform onsite computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. Your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow as your business grows, expands its network, and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access, and remote access. IT support is not just for emergencies. In addition to integrating your system operations and maintaining hardware, software and security, employee training must also be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are inter-related concerns. They must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your company, minimizing costly and time-consuming IT-related mistakes.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can design, integrate, secure, maintain and repair your SMB computer network.