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Wifi vulnerability
Browser Security Cyber Security DNS Hackers attack Internet Speed Network Security VPN WiFi Routers Wifi vulnerability

Signs Your Home Network Has Been Hacked and How to Protect Yourself

 

While many are aware of the risks associated with public Wi-Fi, fewer realize that home networks are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can infiltrate home networks to access sensitive information like bank details, private conversations, and personal photos. Here are key indicators that your home network may be compromised and steps to enhance your security. 

One sign of a compromised network is a sudden drop in internet speed. If your connection slows down without any issues from your provider, it could mean hackers are using your bandwidth for malicious purposes. Another warning sign is the appearance of unfamiliar devices on your network. Hackers might connect their devices to your network to steal information. To check for this, log into your router and review the list of connected devices. Unrecognized entries should be investigated. Unexpected changes to your Wi-Fi password are also concerning. If you haven't changed it but find it different, someone might have hacked into your network to lock you out. 

Additionally, spotting unfamiliar software on your devices can indicate malware installation by hackers aiming to steal your data. Browser hijacking is another serious threat. If hackers gain access to your router, they can alter its DNS settings, redirecting your internet traffic to malicious sites that can steal information and install harmful software. If your browser frequently redirects to suspicious websites, your network might be compromised. Understanding how hackers operate can also help in recognizing threats. 

For example, they may pose as buyers in online transactions, sending phishing links to steal bank details from sellers. To protect your home network, ensure your router’s firmware is up to date and use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi and devices. Enable network encryption, such as WPA3, and disable remote management features that can provide easy access to hackers. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can further secure your internet traffic and protect your online activities. 

Securing your home network requires vigilance and proactive measures. By staying aware of potential warning signs and implementing strong security practices, you can protect your personal information and maintain your digital privacy. Continuous learning and adaptation to new cyber threats are essential for keeping your network safe.
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WiFi Routers
Internet Connection Internet Speed ISP Technology WiFi Routers

How to Increase Your WiFi Speed in Five Simple Steps

 

If you're here, you're probably interested in learning how to boost your home WiFi speed. We expect the internet to function at steady speed as it has become a vital part of daily life. Otherwise, it may lead to frustration and perplexing communication breakdowns. 

This blog post discusses five ways to improve WiFi speed. Should everything else fail, you can try contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see if they can assist. Take a speed test first to make sure your speed matches the plan you signed up for before you begin troubleshooting. If not, see if any of the suggested fixes can be helpful by looking through this list. 

Update your router 

You can buy the fastest internet speed your ISP has to offer, but you won't be able to enjoy it if your hardware is outdated. Check to see if your router has the 802.11ac or 802.11ax label to ensure it is up to date. If it doesn't, you should definitely update your router!

Why? Modern routers are typically dual-band routers with multiple Ethernet ports and a maximum throughput of 10Gbps. Furthermore, unlike previous versions, they can operate on both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies simultaneously.

If you don't have a dual-band router, we recommend connecting to the 5 GHz frequency. The 2.4 frequency is slower and more susceptible to signal interference. 

Reboot your router frequently

If you call your ISP to improve your wireless speed, they will first instruct you to reboot the router. This helps to decongest the channels and remove any unnecessary information that has been saved, similar to how clearing cache and cookies can optimise your browser. 

The more devices you connect to your network, the more likely you will experience interference or congestion issues. Rebooting resolves some of these issues quickly and efficiently. 

Perform a virus scan 

Malware and viruses have the ability to reduce device performance and internet speed. Because of this, it's essential to regularly run virus scans on your computer and router if you want to boost WiFi speed. 

Any cyber threats to your home network will be automatically found and eliminated by an antivirus programme. Some internet service providers offer a free app that checks online traffic for threats to help their customers stay safe online. 

Consider your location and minimise signal interference 

The position of your router influences the strength of signal it emits. Think about the location of your router. Is your router securely tucked away in a corner or next to furniture? If so, your home's sluggish internet might be the result of that. 

Furthermore, the hardest materials for a wireless signal to pass through are metal and concrete, followed by brick, wood, and glass. Signal strength can be decreased even by positioning your router close to windows.

It is recommended to position your router in a room where you spend the most time using WiFi or in an open, central area of your house. Additionally, avoid putting it in an attic or basement at all costs. 

Purchase a better Internet plan and fibre internet 

If you've been unhappy with your WiFi speed, you can enhance it by switching your internet plan or service provider. For example, if you have a cable internet plan, consider switching to fibre. Fibre internet is the fastest, most stable, and secure type of internet connection. Furthermore, fibre internet provides greater bandwidth than cable or DSL connections, as well as symmetrical upload and download speeds.
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WiFi Routers
Antivirus Botnets Crypto Data Breach data threat ISP Protocol WiFi Routers

Four Red Flags Warning You of a Hacked Wi-Fi Router

 

Wi-Fi has become a necessary component of our daily lives in today's hyperconnected society. Everything from watching movies online to doing our banking online depends on it. But this convenience also raises the possibility of cyberthreats, such as the hacking of our Wi-Fi routers. Numerous recent investigations have alerted billions of Wi-Fi customers to four warning signs that their routers may have been hijacked.
  1. Sluggish Performance: One of the first signs that your router may have been hacked is a noticeable decline in its performance. If your internet speed suddenly becomes slower than usual or if you experience frequent disconnections, it could be a red flag. Hackers often use compromised routers as a gateway to carry out their malicious activities, which can result in a significant drop in network performance.
  2. Unauthorized Access: If you have noticed any unfamiliar devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, it's a clear indication that your router's security may have been breached. Hackers gain unauthorized access to routers and connect their devices to snoop on your internet traffic, steal sensitive information, or launch further attacks on other connected devices.
  3. Unexpected Behavior: Another red flag of a hacked router is the occurrence of unusual or unexpected behavior. This could include your router's settings being changed without your knowledge or consent, strange error messages appearing, or unknown devices attempting to access your network. These abnormal activities should raise suspicion and prompt further investigation.
  4. Increased Data Usage: If you notice a sudden and significant increase in your monthly data usage, it could be a sign of a hacked router. Cybercriminals may use compromised routers to carry out activities such as distributing malware, participating in botnets, or mining cryptocurrencies, all of which can consume a substantial amount of data without your knowledge.

So, what can you do if you suspect your router has been hacked? Here are a few steps you can take to address the issue:
  • Change Router Passwords: Begin by changing the administrative password for your router. Use a strong, unique password that combines upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Update Firmware: Check if there are any available firmware updates for your router and install them promptly. Manufacturers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve overall performance.
  • Enable Encryption: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is encrypted with a strong security protocol, such as WPA2 or WPA3. This will help protect your network from unauthorized access.
  • Scan for Malware: Run a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware scan on all devices connected to your network. This can help detect and remove any malware or malicious programs that may have been introduced through the hacked router.
  • Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP): If you suspect that your router has been compromised, reach out to your ISP for assistance. They can provide guidance and support in resolving the issue and may even replace the router if necessary.
Knowing the warning signs that suggest your router may have been compromised is essential. You can safeguard your private information, maintain a secure Wi-Fi network, and make sure that you and your family have a safer online experience by quickly recognizing and responding to these indicators. Take proactive measures to protect your router and the network's attached devices by being alert, educated, and cautious.
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WiFi Routers
Security flaw Vulnerabilities and Exploits WiFi Routers

Vulnerability in NetUSB Could Impact Millions of Routers

 

A critical flaw in KCodes NetUSB kernel module could allow attackers to secure remote access and has the capability to infect millions of devices. 

Researchers from SentineLabs published a report on the remote code execution vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2021-45388, identified in software vendor KCodes' NetUSB kernel module. NetUSB is a kernel module connectivity solution developed by KCodes, allowing remote devices in a network to interact with the USB devices directly plugged into a router. 

NetUSB is used by millions of router devices from various vendors, including Netgear, TP-Link and Western Digital, to provide USB-over-IP functionality. While SentinelOne has not noticed any attacks in the wild, the team determined that the threat actor could alter the code that the router would then execute. 

The SentinelOne report noted three limitations that make it difficult to exploit the vulnerability, such as "the structure must be sprayable from a remote perspective." "While these restrictions make it difficult to write an exploit for this vulnerability, we believe that it isn't impossible, and so those with Wi-Fi routers may need to look for firmware updates for their router," researchers explained.

The researchers initially spotted the flaw after examining a targeted Netgear device from 2019 and discovered it could affect millions of other "end user" routers. The types of routers that use NetUSB are commonly found in homes. As working from home grew tenfold following the onset of the pandemic, routers have become a common target.

"While small businesses may also use these routers as they are cost-effective and easier to manage, larger organizations will tend to opt for more complicated devices they can have greater control over," researchers added.

Following responsible disclosure to KCodes on September 20, 2021, the Taiwanese firm released a patch to all vendors on November 19, after which Netgear released firmware updates containing fixes for the vulnerability. 

SentinelOne has refrained from releasing a proof-of-concept (PoC) code in light of the fact that other vendors are still in the process of shipping updates. However, the cybersecurity firm cautioned the possibility of an exploit emerging in the wild despite the technical complexity involved, making it imperative that users apply the fixes to mitigate any potential risk.
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