See if someone is stealing your Wi-Fi network

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You are not necessarily protected by your Internet Service Provider from dishonest people hitchhiking their viewing devices onto your WiFi network. You can't see any devices connected to your WiFi networks, even if you have access to your router configuration. Some hackers only need a few minutes to connect to your WiFi network, and you'll never know they are there, riding for free. What you will notice is your connection slowing down because someone is tapping into your internet connection. If you think this is happening to you, use free this software called, Wireless Network Watcher .
If your high-speed internet connection seems sluggish, someone might be using your internet access. The more people and devices connected to your network, the slower the connection is for everyone and every device connected. For instance, if someone is downloading or watching HD videos, it's going to slow down every other device connected to your WiFi. If you notice your connection is slow, and no one on your network that you know of is doing anything that would slow down the connection, it's a good indication that someone is using your WiFi without your knowledge or permission. Not only will it slow down your own connection, but if they are downloading, uploading, watching movies in HD they may cause you to go over your monthly limit, costing you money. If they are doing something illegal, it may be traced back to you. This article will help you to identify the connected devices in your network, and how to protect yourself.
  • Please note, that the routes to reach router's setup panel may vary from one brand to another, and yet from the same brand model to another model. Refer to your router manual for further look on how to reach it.

Instructions

  1. 1
    Download the Wireless Network Watcher.
    You can get it here for free -- http://download.cnet.com/Wireless-Network-Watcher/3000-2085_4-75454043.html
  2. 2
    See Who is on your WiFi Network.
    Click the "Play" button. Click the green play button above your software to scan devices that are currently connected to your WiFi network. You are looking for devices that don't belong to anyone in your household, nor visitors that may be staying with you. You will view a lot of information, like the MAC address, device name, and IP address. The MAC address is very sensitive information and you can actually use the MAC address to block that particular device.
  3. 3
    Block People Who Are Using Your WiFi Network.
    This can be done by using the MAC Address to block a device permanently. Just log into your router configuration settings and look for "Manage Wireless Connection". Put the MAC address of the device you want to block, and then click it to include it on your block list. The route you go to reach the block MAC address varies from one brand and model to another.

How To See If Someone Is Stealing Your WiFi Network

Router LEDs.jpg
Check the LED light indicator of your Wireless Router. Your WiFi router has LED lights indicating if there's an internet connection, local network connections (wired connection), and any kind of wireless activity. One thing you can do is to turn off all your wireless devices, like your Laptop, computer, Smart TV, PSP, Xbox, cells, iPads, and any other gadgets that use your wireless connection. After you turn off all of those, you can simply check your wireless router's LED wireless connection indicator and see if it's blinking. If it is, even if all your wireless devices are off, then an unwanted user/users are using your WiFi.
You may also log into your wireless router console (setup). You do this by entering your router IP address in any internet browser, like I.e., Firefox, or Chrome, etc. That IP will look something like [192.168.1.1], [192.168.0.1], [192.168.2.1], etc. To figure out what is your router IP address is, you can try the following:
  1. 1
    Go back to your router manual as instructions are there, in your manual.
  2. 2
    If your PC or Laptop is connected to your router with the automatic IP addressing configuration, then check your connection default gateway.
    That gateway is your router IP address.
  3. 3
    Follow these steps:
     
    1. Use the mouse to click the "Start" button on your connected PC, or press the "Win" key on your keyboard.
    2. On the "Search" field, type "cmd". Then press "Enter".
      Cmd.png
    3. The black "Command Shell" window will be shown. In the window, type "cmd", then hit "Enter".
    4. Type in that command shell, "ipconfig", then hit "Enter".
      Ipconfig.png
    5. Scroll up on the information you'll see there, until you see "Default Gateway". That is your router's IP.
      Gateway.png
  4. 4
    You will be prompted for a username and password.
    For most routers it is: "admin" and "admin". Check your router manual, though, as you will find it there as well. If you have changed the information, then you must apply the ones you changed them to.  
    1. The default admin login Linksys products is usually User Name: (blank) password: admin.
    2. The default admin login Netgear routers is User Name: admin password: password.
    3. The default admin login D-Link routers is User Name: Admin; Password: (blank).
    4. The default admin login for Siemens routers is User Name: Admin; Password: admin (all lowercase).
  5. 5
    Once logged onto your router setup console, you need to look for something indicating "Device List", "Attached Devices", or anything similar to that.
  6. 6
    There you will find a list of all the devices currently attached to your router.
    You might also need to refresh that list. Scan those IP's, MAC addresses, and device names for any strange ones. Depending on your router brand and model, the route to reach that device list may vary. You can find out how your particular model will have that information in your router manual.
Example List of Attached Devices.
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What To Do If You Are Certain Unwanted Users Are Connected To Your Wireless Router

  1. 1
    The first thing to do is to change your wireless router security key.
    You can do that by going to your router console. Think of the hardest password you can, so that others won't be able to connect to your wireless or won't be able to crack or hack your password easily.
  2. 2
    Block the MAC address of the unwanted devices.
  3. 3
    It will also allow you to compile a list of MACs and only those on the list are allowed to connect to your router.
    Any other MACs not on the list will be blocked from connecting to your network.
Here is an example of a wireless router console:
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Use A Tool To Let You Know What Devices Are Connected to Your Network

You can download a monitoring tool for your wireless network to view logs on whatever devices are connected to your network. This depends on the manufacturer as well. If you have a NETGEAR router, you can download an app for your phone or on your computer to manage and check the connected devices. This app or program is called NETGEAR-Genie and you can download it from their website at http:///www.netgear.com/genie or from the Android Play store or iOS App store.
You can also download a third party program or application called MoocherHunter. This is free software for all (Indie rather) that is part of OSWA Organizational Systems Wireless Author. This can help you identify the device, location (within two meters accurately) and what they are doing with your internet access. You also have the capability to knock them off whenever they are connected.

Safety and Compromises

Using a wireless connection is not known to adversely affect your health. There are some reports that it may cause health issues, but it has not been proven. If you have a wireless connection at home, make sure you have maximum security to hide confidential transactions, such as online shopping or bank transactions, as these are often the targets of internet hackers.

How to Stay Safe if you are Connected to a Public Wireless Connection

  1. 1
    Get VPN.
    This is the safest way to browse on the internet as it requires login and other credentials
  2. 2
    Turn off Sharing.
    If you enable this feature on your computer or other devices, anyone from the network can view your shared documents/files/information.
  3. 3
    Avoid Automatic Connections to WiFi Hot Spots.
    If you set it to Automatic Connection, it will connect your device to the network without notifying you.
  4. 4
    Use Two Factor Authentication.
    This is the same as when you set up an email address that requires two authentications. Your phone number, alternate email address, and your secret password
  5. 5
    Use HTTPS rather than HTTP.
    The 'S' in HTTPS means it is a secure website, while HTTP is not.
  6. 6
    Confirm the Network Name to Which You're Connecting.
    Before you connect to the network, make sure you know the name of the network administrator in that location.
  7. 7
    Use a Firewall.
    This will help you to keep unknown intruders from getting onto your network.

Question and Answers

What to download to know if someone is stealing WiFi?

Whoisonmywifi.jpg
  1. 1
    There is a utility that alerts you when an unauthorized device connects to your network.
    This third-party Windows utility is called WhoIsOnMy WiFi. It checks the list on your router's network connections, and you can set it to check at intervals - usually every 2 minutes. Popup and audible alerts will notify you when an unknown computer is found. If you move the device into "known", it won't alert you again. The program can be used free for a 30-day trial. The program costs about $34.95. It offers updates, unlimited use, and ability to selectively "block" devices that try to connect to your network, even if they enter the correct password. 
    It is important to know what "blocking" means. The "blocking" feature is more of a "jamming" feature. It is similar to a denial of service attack, but you can become the "attacker", striking the intruding computer's network. It does not stop the intruder from connecting to your router, but it does stops the intruder from accessing the internet and any devices on the network.
    It is advisable to change the router's WiFi password then restart the router. This will speed up the internet due to the fact that there are fewer devices connected. And this procedure will boot the network entirely, without constantly draining the network's resources. 
    http://www.whoisonmy WiFi.com/ tells you who are connected and who recently joins your network.
  2. 2
    AirSnare also alerts you when an unfamiliar MAC address has joined the network.
    It is another tool that you can add to your Wireless Intrusion Detection Toolbox. It will also alert you of DHCP requests. If AirSnare identifies unfamiliar MAC address you have the choice to launch Ethereal or track the MAC address's access to IP address.
    Airsnare.jpg
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  3. 3
    MoocherHunter live CD tracking Suite is also capable of tracking hackers who join your WiFi connection.

If someone is stealing your WiFi, can you see what websites they have been on?

Yes, it is possible for you to see what websites they have visited through your WiFi connection. This depends on the router that you use though; it should support SYSLOG. Another way is to use a network-monitoring tool such as Wireshark. It is a professional monitoring tool, so it can be a little difficult to use on a home monitor. If you want your WiFi connection to be a little more secure, go for WPA2(AES)connection, because WEP and WPA can be hacked more easily.

Tips Tricks & Warnings

  • Protect your WiFi network by inputting your desired hard-to-crack, long password.
  • Don't share your password with anyone, except if you really trust him or her.
  • Think long and hard when choosing passwords to avoid them being cracked.

Questions and Answers

How to Block Unwanted Devices on Network?

Most of the wireless connections today are security enabled so that no unauthorized access can get through. However, there are still some people who are so good at cracking network securities that they are still able to connect to a secured wireless network. If you think someone is stealing your wireless network and you want to block them, here are some options you can try.
  • Access your modem or gateway's page on a computer and check all the connected devices in your network. If you are not familiar with how to do it, you can contact your internet service provider or modem's manufacturer to get some assistance. When you log onto your modem's page, it should have a wireless interface where you can see all the wireless devices connected to your network.
  • Before you block any device, make sure that these devices are really gaining unauthorized access to your network. Compare the number of devices on the list to the wireless device you use at home. You can also ask your family members to verify their devices on your list. Most devices today including smartphones, tablets and laptops are asked for a device name when they are configured. Check the names of the devices on the list to make sure that you do not accidentally block your own devices.
    Most modem pages should have a button that you can click on when you want to block a device. When you do this, it will block the device's MAC address (a device's unique identification) permanently. This means the device will never be able to connect to your network again unless you remove the block in the modem's wireless interface.
    You could try downloading and installing a software called Wireless Network Watcher. You can download it here in this link http://download.cnet.com/Wireless-Network-Watcher/3000-2085_4-75454043.html. Upon installing, simply click play and see all the connections that are connected, and block the devices that you don't want connected to your wireless connection.
See more questions like this: Hi. hope this won't cause money

When you steal someone's WiFi, do they get a notification that your device is using it?

When you make any unauthorized access to a network, the owner of the network will not be notified that another device has joined their network. They will only see it when they access the modem's page and manually check all the devices that are currently connected to their wireless service.
The only way they'll get a notification is if they are using a program for their router. Most routers though do not come with this kind of program to monitor network traffic. So my answer is that most likely they are not going to receive a notification.

If we connect to someone's WiFi, are they notified?

Yes and No.
Yes, the WiFi network's owner will be notified if the owner is using monitoring software like SoftPerfect WiFi Guard. This software monitors and regularly scans for unrecognized and new devices wirelessly connected. It does this by pinging. The network owner receives notification of any suspicious activity in the network.
No, the WiFi network owners are not notified if someone has connected to their network, however, they may see if someone is connected by looking at the attached devices list on their router's address or by using a monitoring software such as SoftPerfect WiFi Guard.
.

What software can I use for blocking unwanted WiFi users?

It is really annoying when you have paid for a high-speed internet connection, and all you get is a slow speed due to some unauthorized WiFi pirates using your network. Netcut is software is capable of finding the names and the MAC address of unwanted users. Blocking is not done automatically, though, so you still have the option whom to block and whom to allow. It is advisable to always guard your WiFi network, so it will not be misused or abused.
You can also log into your modem setup and block those unknown MAC addresses.
You can choose from different kinds of WiFi applications that will enable you to block the unwanted connections in your wireless network. However you can try this software http://download.cnet.com/Wireless-Network-Watcher/3000-2085_4-75454043.html called Wireless Network Watcher. Using this tool, you can view all the devices that are connecting and connected on your wireless network. You can even use this tool to block those connections.
See more questions like this: How to remove unwanted WiFi users

How to block unwanted user in may WiFi?

How to block unwanted user in may WiFi
You can choose who will be allowed to use your WiFi by contacting your WiFi customer support and letting them know the IP addresses of all the devices in your home that will be connected to your WiFi. This will not be ideal if you have guests at your house that would like to connect to your network.

WiFi is slow and sometimes disconnects?

When I look to connect, there appears to be other people connected, I guess, and one that is called D-Link with an exclamation point next to it. It says that someone may see what I'm doing
This is one of the most common problems with WiFi. Not only is this annoying because it slows down your connection, it also poses certain risks for you as the owner of the connection. If you do not setup strong passwords, the likelihood that someone else you don't know might hook up to your connection is very high. If there are so many others who are hooked up, it may even cause your connection to crash completely. Therefore, make sure you setup your password properly first.
If you notice another person hooking up to your WiFi without permission, there are ways to kick that person off as well. There should be a button that appears beside the connected list. Just kick out that particular connection and then reset your password.

I have discovered someone called Sam on my home network and I have no idea who he is. What should I do?

How do I delete him or her from my network
Within your router settings, there is a list of MAC addresses. Find the one that Sam uses from within the Manage Wireless Connections, and block him. Change your WiFi password immediately, and keep an eye on your settings for a few days to see if Sam shows up again.

Hi, someone is doing exactly what you explained in header of your article. Could you help us please?

I'm lost and out of ideas on how to detect this cool hacker. It looks its coming from my computer, I can send you some printouts. Looks like he managed to hack into my Gmail accounts and passed double safety acknowledgement
Change your password for your Google Accounts immediately. You should also use the sniffing tool mentioned in the article to find out what this person's MAC address is. Change the password to your router after you have blocked this MAC that is using your WiFi. Run a virus scan on your PC and other devices that you connect to the Internet. Also, make sure there is no trojan tether or keystroke virus on any of your devices.
You should contact Google to let them know that someone not only got into your Gmail account, but that they also bypassed the authentication process. They may be able to investigate and see who breached your email account. If you have any financial emails or accounts using that Gmail, you will want to change those as well with new passwords. Specifically choose a password that is not the same as your email accounts.

My internet connection gets really slow on occasions?

Sometimes I don't have any devices connected to my router and yet the lights that indicate data transfer continue to blink, later on when I do connect a device such as my laptop, my internet connection is slow and lagging
You can use the tool mentioned above to get all the MAC addresses. Something to consider is if your Blu-Ray, game console, thermostat or another device is not using the router when you think everything is off. Whatever you hook up to the internet will make the router blink so even your clock radio, if it is connected, will make the router blink. For instance, an Ecobee thermostat that runs off the WiFi, or a coffee maker connected to the WiFi, even when turned off, unless it's unplugged. So if you see nothing on your router that is strange, think of what in your house is connected, other than your phone, PC or tablet.
See more questions like this: Some random accessed my internet I believe?

Our two office desktop computers cannot connect to our office network. Any ideas what the problem might be?

When I check the setup and troubleshoot it, it appears that the password is correct, but the network name cannot be detected. Is it possible that our MAC address is blocked?
Here are a few things to try to connect computers to your office network:
The first thing to do is to reset your router. Then run Network Troubleshooter on both PCs. If that doesn't solve your issue, the above articles will help.

There are times when I am home alone that I can tell my speed gets much slower, and I live in an apartment building with some rather unsavory folks.

I have two younger children who may or may not have shared our password with their friends. I don't think so and they say not. but like I said, I can tell it slows way down at times and no one else is home.
Check your MAC addresses on the network. You also may want to change your password more frequently and only put it in their devices but do not tell them what the password is. One way to keep people off is to change the WiFi name to something official. It seems people are less likely to try and hack into a network with an official name. It's important to give it a name that doesn't easily identify you. (Our City) DEA is a better choice than The Smith's Network. Amazingly, just doing may deter people from trying to hitchhike onto your network, assuming it will be a network with more security.

I think one of my roommates blocked my Samsung Note5 to connect to my WiFi even with the correct password. Help?

This evening, for more than 2 hours, I've tried to connect to our WiFi with no success. Although I am entering the correct WiFi password, it's not allowing me to connect. I did forget the WiFi, and also reset all mobile setting, but I don't know why its not connecting, my blackberry and laptop are connected and my other roommate is enjoying the WiFi, but I'm unable to connect my Note5. Last night it was fine, but tonight I cannot connect. Please suggest best ideas.
Go into Settings and make sure your SmartSwitch is turned off. Then turn off your WiFi connection and then back on again. Watch the authentication process to make sure there are no errors. The Note5 has a common connection issue when Smart Switch is on. Some users reported that turning off the WiFi and then back on again helps to get the Note5 connected, but it often takes more than one attempt.
If this does not work, backup your phone and do a factory reset. You can then retrieve your contacts when you restore the phone connection.

Looking mostly for a non-tech person having a kind of monitoring WiFi for treats and alarms etc?

Looking mostly for a non-tech person having a kind of monitoring WiFi for treats and alarms etc.
WiFi has become so standard in devices now, that it is hard to find someone that does not know much about tech but everything about WiFi because WiFi is the most common component of technological devices. Even our thermostats, coffee makers, cooking ranges, refrigerators now can connect to WiFi.

How do I change the password so others can't use it?

There is an annoying girl that is using our WiFi. She got the password from the youngest one. I don't like the fact that she is slowing down our internet, because she also provided her friends with our password. I really don't like it and would like this problem fixed.
  1. 1
    Connect a computer to one of your router's Ethernet ports and make sure it is not the one that says WAN.
    You will need an Ethernet cable for this. Most likely one came with the router when you purchased it.
  2. 2
    Go to your network router administrator page.
    Usually, there is a web page for this from the maker of your router. Enter the default administrator login name (usually "admin") followed by the default administrator password. If you know what the original password is, then you do not have to use a default one. Otherwise, to get the default password, search online the maker of your router for the default password.
  3. 3
    Select the "Admin" page from your router's configuration page to change your password to a new one.
    Write it down somewhere safe so that you can remember it if you ever need it again. You will want to configure a strong one this time.

Hi! I am having a problem with other people riding on my WiFi connection, even though it is password protected?

How do I block them from connecting to my WiFi?. I have tried: I can't do anything.. I am still trying to learn how to do MAC filtering, I am confused with the router set up. I think it was caused by: According to my friends, the people who are riding on our WiFi can hack the router, and I guess and they can get the password.. Not really sure how that is possible.
Follow the instructions in the main VisiHow article on this page on how to obtain the people's MAC from your router. You can also use the WhoIsOnMy WiFi app suggested in the QNA section on this page. Set up a firewall to prevent further intrusions with your WiFi.

Why is my laptop still loading when I browse despite its signal strength is 3/4 bar?

My router register 3/4 signal strength yet its still slow. I have tried: Restart my router. I think it was caused by: Interference
Run your troubleshooter in Windows for Network Systems and then Wireless Connections. You can just type troubleshoot and then what you want to troubleshoot in the bottom search bar for Windows. See if you have a connectivity error. Get an Ethernet Cable and connect your laptop directly into the router. If you are still having loading issues, it may be that your router needs to be factory reset and configured again, or you may have a virus on your PC.

About my neighbour stealing my WiFi connection.

How can I block my neighbour from stealing my WiFi internet connection when he actually knows my password? I tried with the MAC filtering, but every time I click on "add new" in my TP-link router settings, my internet connection breaks down. Can you help me?
First thing, change your password because he knows what it is. Then factory reset your router. If he somehow gets that password again, this time configure the router with a firewall to block access. Your router is basically a firewall, but sometimes people can access it.

My router does not has an access control list or MAC filter option, what should I do?

Hardware version: C1 Firmware Version: 3.04 DIR-600M (my router info)
I can't find any MAC filter or blocking option. I have tried: I have tried different kinds of software, but none of them worked. I think it was caused by: Don't know from the beginning, it has been like this
Contact D-Link and request new firmware for your router. You will receive firmware to install which will give you access to MAC addresses. Others with this D-Link Router Model 600M have had to do this to gain access to the MAC settings.

Possible tapping in to my WiFi?

For some weeks I have been noticing my WiFi 'winking' when my laptop is turned off at the main. Could this be an outside contact? Lately I have turned off the WiFi as well, but this takes out the main phone lines. If tapped into, would it just be a matter of neighbour's taking free broadband, or is there a possibility of someone accessing my e-mails? Many thanks for help
It might be the main phone line that is the culprit, as when you turn off the router it also disconnects the phone line. If your neighbor is piggy backing on your broadband, they won't be able to get into your emails unless the password s the same as your internet password, and they know your email address. Install Wireshark on your PC and see what is being uploaded or used on your router. Ask your family to not use the internet for a few hours and see what is revealed from the Wireshark sniffing expedition. This will tell you what is using your router to cause it to blink like that, and what they are up to on your dollar.

Hi, I have used my work's WiFi, and I am worried the IT specialist will find out about it. Will they?

Hi, I have used my work's WiFi, and I am worried the IT specialist will find out about it? I have tried: Just wondering because I don't want to be fired. I think it was caused by: Just wondering and not wanting to be fired.
IT probably will not be looking at all the MAC addresses at work. If you were given the password, then you have permission to use the WiFi. You could, as a courtesy, tell IT that you used it to check something for example, if you are worried, but it is unlikely they'd be investigating the MAC addresses and even if they were, yours would just be blocked.
All this is fine, unless you work for a company that prohibits anyone connecting their personal devices to their network. If this is the case, probably wise to stop before you do get caught.

Unknown

Some say he’s half man half fish, others say he’s more of a seventy/thirty split. Either way he’s a fishy bastard. Google

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