How to Take Back Control of a Hijacked Wi-Fi Network

There’s not much more frustrating than a slow Wi-Fi network. But what if the cause isn’t your internet provider, but an uninvited guest? If your Wi-Fi network has been hijacked, it’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a security risk. This guide will walk you through how to reclaim your network, step by step.

Signs Your Wi-Fi Might Be Compromised

Before we dive into fixing the problem, let’s look at how you can tell if your Wi-Fi has been hijacked. Sometimes, the signs are obvious, and other times, they’re a bit more subtle.

• Your internet speed is much slower than usual, especially when you’re not actively downloading large files.
• Your router’s lights are blinking rapidly even when no devices are using the internet.
• You notice unusual activity on your network, such as unfamiliar devices appearing in your router’s connected device list.
• You’re being locked out of your own network, or your Wi-Fi password has been changed without your knowledge.

Step 1: Disconnect and Change Your Wi-Fi Password

The first and most crucial step is to cut off the intruder's access. Changing your Wi-Fi password will immediately disconnect all devices, including any unauthorised ones, from your network.

• Locate your router (the device that provides your Wi-Fi connection).
• Find the sticker on the back or bottom of the router; it usually has the network name (SSID) and the default password.
• Connect to your router using an Ethernet cable if possible, or use one of your trusted devices (like your phone or computer) that is still connected to your Wi-Fi.
• Open a web browser and type in your router's IP address (often found on the router sticker, e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Log in using the administrator username and password (again, often on the sticker, or try common defaults like 'admin' for both).
• Navigate to the 'Wireless' or 'Wi-Fi Settings' section.
• Change your Wi-Fi password to a strong, unique phrase that includes a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Save your changes. This will restart your router and apply the new password.

Step 2: Change Your Router’s Administrator Password

Once you’ve changed your Wi-Fi password, it’s equally important to change the password you use to log into your router’s settings. This prevents a hijacker from simply logging back in and changing your Wi-Fi password again.

• Log back into your router's settings using the same IP address and your newly reset administrator password (if it reverted to default).
• Look for a section called 'Administration', 'System Tools', or 'Management'.
• Find the 'Router Password' or 'Administrator Password' option.
• Choose a strong, unique password for your router's administration — different from your Wi-Fi password.
• Save your changes. You may need to log in again with the new administrator password.

Step 3: Check for Unfamiliar Devices and Update Firmware

With new passwords in place, it’s a good idea to check which devices are connected to your network and ensure your router’s software is up to date. Outdated firmware can have security vulnerabilities.

• Within your router's settings, look for a section like 'Connected Devices', 'DHCP Clients', or 'Wireless Clients'.
• Review the list of connected devices. If you see any devices you don't recognise, make a note of them.
• Next, look for 'Firmware Update', 'Software Update', or 'Router Upgrade' within your router's settings.
• Check if there's a newer version available and follow the instructions to update your router's firmware. This often involves downloading a file from your router manufacturer's website.

Step 4: Enable Network Encryption and a Guest Network (Optional)

Strong encryption is vital for a secure Wi-Fi network. Also, consider setting up a guest network if you frequently have visitors. This gives them internet access without exposing your main network and its connected devices.

• In your router's 'Wireless' or 'Wi-Fi Settings', ensure your security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3. Avoid WEP, as it's much easier to crack.
• Look for 'Guest Network' settings within your router. Enable it and set a separate, strong password.
• Make sure the guest network is isolated from your main network – this option is usually available in the guest network settings.
• Set a secure password for your guest network, distinct from your primary Wi-Fi password.

Key takeaway

Taking back control of your hijacked Wi-Fi network involves a few key steps: quickly changing passwords, securing your router