Cybercriminals who attack routers are swift and precise, spending countless hours studying network vulnerabilities to compromise sensitive data and then taking advantage of those vulnerabilities to compromise the router. The term "router hacking" refers to taking control of a user's router without their consent by a cybercriminals.

The Wi-Fi hacker, like other types of hackers, relies on security measures that a user may have implemented to protect themselves against the hack - often the administrator password for their router or an unpatched vulnerability in their system. The hacker has a variety of tricks that he can use if he wants to hack into a router successfully. 

There is a risk that a hacker will be able to gain access to a router in minutes if the user has not set a strong password for their router. The hacker can take control of users' router after they have gained access, and even change the settings or install malicious software on users' router after they have gained control. These are all signature signs that users have been hit by a black-hat hacker, as opposed to their more altruistic white-hat cousins. 

Approximately one in 16 internet-connected home Wi-Fi routers can be remotely accessed by attackers using the manufacturer's default admin password. Getting continually kicked off users' home networks can be super annoying, but that's what some hackers will do. A hacker may use a de-authentication attack to target network devices. To do so, a hacker does not even need administrative access to the user router; they only need to find the router and device users' using. They can do this by using a tool such as Aircrack-ng. After doing so, they craft a command that uses the users' router's authentication protocol to deauthenticate users, thus kicking them off the network. 

A Forbes study found that 86% of users never change their default credentials. As default credentials are easily found online, all hackers must do a perfunctory Google search to find the information they need to log into users' routers. If they do, they can change things like the password and SSID. Changing the password will kick users off their network, and changing the SSID will change their network name. They could also hide users' networks entirely after kicking them off and changing the name, making it difficult to get back online. Scammers employ various methods to hack into Wi-Fi networks, exploiting vulnerabilities and poor security practices.

One common technique is brute-forcing Wi-Fi passwords, where hackers systematically attempt numerous password combinations to gain access. Once successful, they can lock users out by changing the password and taking control of the router. Another method involves using the router’s default credentials, often left unchanged by users. Cybercriminals can exploit these factory-set admin passwords to alter router settings, emphasizing the importance of creating a unique password and SSID (wireless network name) for enhanced security. 

Unpatched firmware vulnerabilities also present significant risks. Attackers can exploit outdated software to infiltrate a router's internal systems. For instance, in June 2023, Asus issued critical firmware updates to protect against remote code execution attacks. One of the most severe vulnerabilities, CVE-2018-1160, dating back to 2018, carried a high severity rating of 9.8 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). 

Furthermore, cybercriminals can execute Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking by altering a router’s DNS settings and redirecting users to malicious phishing websites. These examples underscore the importance of updating router firmware regularly, using strong passwords, and proactively securing Wi-Fi networks. Understanding the signs of a hacked router is essential for safeguarding users' networks. Altered DNS settings are a major indicator of a breach, as hackers may manipulate these settings to redirect users' internet traffic without their knowledge, potentially launching devastating pharming attacks. 

Users can check their router’s DNS settings in the admin menu to ensure they have not been tampered with. Another red flag is an inability to access the router using the user's admin password. If the credentials no longer work, it could mean a hacker has changed them. In such cases, perform a factory reset immediately and create a new, strong password. Unexpectedly slow internet can also hint at a router hack, especially when accompanied by other suspicious activities. Hackers may exploit users' bandwidth, causing noticeable performance drops. Additionally, strange software or malware on users' devices can result from a router breach, as hackers often use this method to infiltrate connected devices. While malware can spread through various means, its presence alongside other signs of hacking is a cause for concern. 

Monitoring users' networks for unrecognized devices is another critical security measure. Tools like AVG AntiVirus FREE can detect when unfamiliar devices join users' Wi-Fi, issuing alerts that prompt further investigation. While unauthorized devices don’t always indicate a router hack, their presence could lead to one, emphasizing the need for continuous network monitoring. Using reliable security software is vital to protecting users' devices and networks. AVG AntiVirus FREE offers comprehensive cybersecurity features, including real-time malware detection, phishing defence, ransomware protection, and tools to secure users' Wi-Fi networks from potential router hackers. Staying vigilant and equipped with robust security measures ensures a safe online experience.

Hackers can easily carry out this kind of attack even if they do not have administrative access to the user's router; they only need to identify the router and the device that users use to do so. An aircraft-ng tool, which is available online, can be used to accomplish this task. As a result, they craft a command that uses the authentication protocol of the users' router to deauthenticate them, which means they are kicked off of the network once more. The study by Forbes found that 86% of users do not change their default credentials despite being notified about it. 

The default credentials for routers can readily be found online, so it is only a matter of a quick Google search before hackers can discover the credentials they need to access the routers of their targeted victims. In that case, they can change things such as the password and the SSID of the network. By changing a user's password, they will be kicked off their network, and by changing their SSID, their network name will be changed. It's possible that they could also hide the users' networks entirely after they have been kicked off and changed their names, which would make it difficult for them to return to the network. Using a variety of methods, scammers can hack into Wi-Fi networks by exploiting the vulnerabilities and unfavourable security practices that exist. 

There is no doubt that the most common method of hacking Wi-Fi passwords in today's world is through brute-force attacks, which involve scanning many different combinations of passwords too to discover someone's password by scanning all of the combinations simultaneously. When they are successful in taking control of the router, they can lock users out of their accounts by changing their passwords. A second method involves the use of the router's default credentials, often left unchanged by users when they set up the router. These factory-provided admin passwords can be vulnerable to abuse by cybercriminals, highlighting the importance of using a unique password and SSID (wireless network name) for enhanced security when setting up users' routers. 

As a result of firmware vulnerabilities that remain unpatched, there are significant risks involved. There are several ways in which attackers can compromise the internal operating systems of a router by exploiting outdated software. Asus's most recent firmware upgrade for its laptops was released in June 2023, preventing remote code execution attacks against the device. On the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), which calculates the severity of vulnerabilities based on their association with security incidents and their impact, CVE-2018-1160, dated back to 2018, had a severity rating of 9.8. A further method of executing Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking is to alter a router's DNS settings, redirecting the user to malicious phishing sites by altering the DNS settings of a router. 

As a result of these examples, router firmware must be updated regularly, strong passwords are used, and wi-fi networks are carefully secured proactively. Recognizing the signs of a hacked router is crucial for protecting users' networks. Altered DNS settings often indicate a breach, as hackers can manipulate these to redirect users' internet traffic and launch phishing or pharming attacks. Regularly reviewing users' routers' DNS settings in the admin menu can help prevent such risks. Similarly, being unable to access the router with their admin password may mean hackers have taken control. In such cases, a factory reset followed by setting a strong new password is essential. 

A sudden drop in internet speed, especially when combined with other suspicious activity, could point to unauthorized bandwidth usage by hackers. Additionally, unexpected malware or unfamiliar software on users' devices might result from a router breach. Monitoring for unrecognized devices on users' networks is equally important, as these can indicate unauthorized access and potential hacking attempts. 

Investing in robust security tools is a key step in safeguarding users' digital environments. Comprehensive solutions like AVG AntiVirus FREE provide 24/7 protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, and other threats while keeping users' network secure from unauthorized access. Staying proactive with these measures is the best defense for ensuing their online safety.