Hacker Next Door? How to Tell If Someone is Stealing Your WiFi

The expanded remote-access workforce has exacerbated the frequency and impact of WiFi-based cyberattacks. The IT security world has responded with more powerful protection options, such as password managers, VPNs, passkeys and other methods that can prevent data leakage or alert you if someone is stealing your WiFi. But hackers continue to find ways around new protections. That’s why it’s essential to have many layers of protection and professional assessments to secure sensitive data.

What Are a Few Possible Signs That Your WiFi Network Has Been Hacked?

• You are redirected to unknown or unintended websites
• Your login credentials don’t work
• You see unknown IP addresses appearing on your IP address list
• You receive ransomware messages (a worst-case scenario)
• Your network is slow

Q: What are the first steps a small business should take to secure its network?

A: Start by setting up a secure router with a strong password, using firewalls and encrypting data that’s sent over WiFi. It's also important to change default settings on all networking equipment and segment guest access from internal business systems to reduce the risk of unauthorized use.

Secure WiFi Is Basic to Strong Cybersecurity

The most common access point cybercriminals use to grab your WiFi password is your router. Most routers come with strong default WiFi passwords, but they can be compromised. If you suspect your WiFi password has been stolen, change your router’s password. Successfully hacking your WiFi network gives hackers the flexibility to attack the network itself and any connected devices. Their goal is to find the weakest links and target those vulnerabilities. In addition, they count on users making mistakes. The good news is that you have physical control of your router and can take the necessary action. The most common causes of hacker-compromised WiFi connections are:

• Weak Passwords – Because routers have strong default passwords, it’s less of an issue than it once was. However, changing a password is the first thing you should do if you believe your network has been hacked. The days of using your birthday or your pet’s name as a secure WiFi password are long gone
• Sharing a Password – If a guest asks for your password to log on to your network, don’t share it unless you’re confident you can trust them. A better idea is to create a “guest” network to run alongside your network. You can give your guests the login credentials for “guest” and not divulge the network’s primary password
• Insecurely Stored Passwords – Saving your WiFi password in an insecure place on your phone or computer is a widespread mistake that’s almost as dangerous as using default WiFi passwords. Handwritten passwords stored near the router open another door for someone to steal them
• Packet Sniffing – Sniffing is a common technique cybercriminals use for stealing WiFi passwords. It allows hackers to intercept data packets being transmitted and received between your devices and the router. Once the packet is hijacked, the cyber thief then uses decryption programs to decipher it

Q: How can employee behavior impact network security?

A: Employees should be trained to recognize phishing attempts, use strong and unique passwords and avoid downloading unauthorized software. Regular security awareness training helps create a security-aware culture and greatly reduces the risk of accidental breaches caused by human error.

Here are some tips to help secure your WiFi connection:

• Delete Unnecessary Preferred Networks – In your WiFi settings, you will find your list of “Preferred Networks” or “Known Networks.” These are networks that your device will log into automatically. It is a good idea to purge your devices of any networks you don’t use regularly
• Disable Auto-Connect – In addition to deleting unnecessary preferred networks, you can disable auto-connect, which will save the network passwords for the networks you use often, but not log into them automatically
• Do Not Use Hidden Networks – Hidden networks don’t show up on your list of available networks and can be accessed only by knowing and typing in the exact name of the network. Although hidden networks might be invisible to fellow users, hackers find it easier to identify and attack hidden networks. That’s because regular networks transmit beacons, searching for devices with which to connect. To a cybercriminal, a network not transmitting beacons is more easily identifiable, and devices configured to connect to a hidden network will automatically be searching for that network, thereby making the devices more vulnerable entry points for hackers
• Disable the WPS Function on Your Router – Enabled WPS is a hacker’s dream. Experienced hackers can identify and breach WiFi networks with WPS functionality in as little as 15 seconds

Q: Should small businesses invest in professional cybersecurity services?

A: While many small businesses operate on tight budgets, a small investment in professional cybersecurity services costs far less than a single data breach. Experts assess network vulnerabilities, recommend appropriate security actions and provide ongoing monitoring. Even basic managed services can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and save money in the long term by preventing costly and disruptive breaches.

Once a network is attacked, cybercriminals can steal a business’s most sensitive data. For a small to midsized business, a network breach can be devastating. A high-compliance company, such as a legal or medical practice, where protecting a client’s private information is regulated by law, could be put out of business by a cyberattack. Ironically, once a network router is up and running, business owners often forget about it.

SMBs do not have the time, expertise or budget for a full-time IT department. However, insufficient cybersecurity isn’t an option. Therefore, it’s essential to enlist the expertise of IT professionals who can identify vulnerabilities in your system and make strategic and budget-friendly recommendations to upgrade your company’s cyber protection.

IT Security Firms Know How to Tell if Someone Is Stealing Your WiFi

Small business IT security firms specialize in preventing cyber threats, and they can do everything from improving default WiFi passwords to 24/7 monitoring of your secure WiFi network. They work with smaller companies to establish cybersecurity best practices and policies and ensure that confidential employee and client data has sufficient protection. Connect with us in New York City or reach out to a local cybersecurity firm that can assess your cyber risks and work with you to implement an affordable protection solution for your business.