It's not always easy to keep your home network secure, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. This article will show you how to find out who is on your Wi-Fi network and even how to change the name or password associated with it. Keep reading for more information on these helpful tips!
Why should I Care Who is Using My Wi-Fi?
Encryption is used in modern wireless networks. If someone accesses your wireless network, encryption protects your connection and personal information. Most computer users have poor security practices and often fail to take the most straightforward steps to install security safeguards.
If a network user becomes infected with a severe strain of malware, the virus may spread to other computers or other devices. If someone attempts to assault the entrance, it is usually simpler to enter the city and then shut each door separately.
Malware may specifically target Wi-Fi routers or router switches, exploiting them for harmful purposes or claiming the pivotal role to injure as many people as possible.
How to Find Out Who is On Your Wi-Fi?
Via Web Browser
There are a few ways you can do it. But one of the most popular ways is through a web browser. You can go to your router's IP address and view the connected devices from there (it will look like 192.168.0.254).
To be able to perform it efficiently, we provided a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
- In the address field, type in the IP address of your router
- Enter username and password
- Under Status Tab, look for Wi-Fi clients, and you will see the devices connected to your Wi-Fi
Note: This step-by-step guide may vary depending on your router model and manufacturer.
Via Smartphone
If you want to see how many devices are connected to your network, Fing’s free app for Android and iOS will do the process. Once installed, it provides information, including the device name, how long it's been connected, and what type of connection it has (wired or wireless).
Along with security protocols being used such as WEP/WPA, etc. It can also search online from where each specific device might have come from Google Play Store.
Using Command Prompt
You can also find out who's connected to your Wi-Fi via command prompt. To perform this:
- Run your command prompt
- Type "arp -a" in the window without the quotations
- Examine the IP addresses. Those that begin with the same digits as your router's IP address (for example, 192.168) are linked to your router
How to Change Your Network Name (ISSD)?
This step may vary depending on your router's model or manufacturer. In this guide, we used Netgear as a sample.
To perform this:
- Log into your router through an internet browser (most commonly, this is "192.168.0.115" without quotations)
- Select Wireless Settings in the left column menu under the Advanced heading
- Now enable SSID broadcast and change the Network Name to something unique
- Click Apply
- Wait for about a minute before disconnecting from your network, then reconnect again with the new name
How to Change Your Password?
It's essential to do this if you're worried about how easy it is for someone with bad intentions to find your network.
To perform this:
- Log into your router via an internet browser (most commonly, this is "192.168.0.115" without quotations)
- Select Wireless Settings in the left column menu under the Advanced heading
- Scroll down and select Security options from there, then scroll down until you see where it says Network Authentication Type - choose WPA/WPA-PSK [AES] or higher depending on what kind of security level you want
- Enter a new password by typing something unique but memorable. – Do not use the same password as your Wi-Fi network name
- Click Save Settings to apply changes, and you should be prompted for a reboot of your router
Signs That Outsiders Are Using Your Wireless Network
- Signal bars are stronger/weaker than usual
- Devices show up on your network that you don't recognize or have been permitted to connect
- You notice significantly slower download speeds than usual
- Your Internet is running slowly, or the connection has stopped working entirely
Risks of Having a Stranger Connected on Your Network
Run out of bandwidth
If strangers join your Wi-Fi network, they may use a significant amount of data, particularly if you are on a limited data plan.
Viruses could spread on your network
If they have a virus or other malware connected, it can spread your network and not just impact who's connected but how well your system runs in general.
And also, if a stranger has malware, they may try to access other computers or devices linked through your internet connection - which could result in spyware being downloaded onto them.
Privacy and network security threat
They may see what you are doing on the web, watching, and how much data is being used. It's possible for someone to monitor the websites visited on another device if its owner uses the same password across multiple accounts such as email, banking, etc.
They might also use software programs to record keystrokes typed to get stored passwords from personal information stored in browsers.
Tips for Securing Your Wi-Fi Network
- Avoid using the same password across all your accounts, such as email, banking, etc.
- Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to encrypt traffic between an end-user and a VPN server, making them difficult or impossible for hackers to intercept data packets or discover how much information has been sent over the Internet.
- Look at how much data is being used. If you are on a limited plan, it might be wise to disconnect any strangers who have been leeching your bandwidth all day long.
- Do not provide access to anyone other than family members or friends that need internet access for schoolwork or jobs unless they know how to behave themselves while using the internet. Otherwise, open Wi-Fi networks can pose significant risks of identity theft and credit card fraud.
- Alter the frequency with which you change your password. Changing your password once a month makes it more difficult for hackers to get into your system.
- Create a unique and robust password that is at least 20 characters long and includes capital letters, digits, symbols, upper and lowercase letters, and symbols. Please keep this information secure since anybody with access to it may use it to get access to your router's settings page!
- Choose a wireless channel; some routers have built-in software that automatically selects the optimal choice when feasible. In most instances, "Auto" or "11b/g/n" are acceptable choices with no hazards associated.
- Check if the device connected to your network belongs to your family. If you see unknown devices, change your password immediately, as well as your network name.
Finding Who’s on My Wi-Fi FAQ
1. Can intruders change my username and password from their devices?
No, a wireless network cannot be accessed without the correct username and password.
2. Can I have more than one router on my property?
Yes. In this instance, you would need to put each of your routers under a different SSID and set up a corresponding security key for each.
3. How do I know if someone is using my Wi-Fi?
Looking for a flashing green light on your router after disconnecting or turning off everything in your house that connects to your Wi-Fi is a simple, low-tech approach to verify whether someone is on your Wi-Fi. This strategy is most effective if you are aware of all the devices connected to your Wi-Fi.
Conclusion
As the digital age progresses, more and more of our lives are lived online. This includes things like work, social life, banking, etc. For this reason, it's essential to maintain some level of privacy when out in public spaces or at home with your family members who have access to your Wi-Fi network.
We hope that this article provides you with the information you need to complete your task. You can also use these tips to restrict access from specific devices or people that are not authorized on your home network.
