How to Fix A Hacked WiFi Router – Updated Guide 2024

In the digital age, the WiFi router has become as indispensable as any other home appliance. We use it for everything, from online banking and shopping to socializing and entertainment. But what happens when this lifeline to the virtual world is compromised?

Your personal data, financial information, and your peace of mind are all at risk. The prospect of a hacked WiFi router can indeed be unsettling.

Understanding the Risk

Cybersecurity has emerged as a pressing concern in the 21st century. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand how to protect your WiFi router, the gateway to your digital life.

Signs Your WiFi Router Has Been Hacked

Before jumping into the process of fixing your hacked WiFi router, it’s crucial to identify if your router has indeed been compromised. Unusual network traffic, new devices connected to your network, unexpected router settings changes, or an unusual spike in your internet data usage could be signs of a compromised router.

What does it mean for you?

Loss of Internet Service: When your modem is hacked, you might experience disruptions in your internet service. This could result in slow speeds, inconsistent connection, or even a total loss of internet service.

Unwanted Network Traffic: Hackers may use your internet connection for their purposes, leading to an increase in network traffic. This could slow down your internet speed and even result in excess data usage charges, if your internet service provider enforces a data cap.

Unauthorized Access to Personal Information: Hackers might use the access to your modem to infiltrate other devices on your network, potentially leading to the unauthorized access to your personal information. This could include email accounts, bank accounts, credit card information, and other sensitive data.

Device Manipulation: Hackers can alter your router or modem’s settings, reroute your traffic through their servers, changing your DNS settings, or even blocking your access to certain websites or services.

Cybercrime Participation: In some cases, hackers may use your modem to commit cybercrimes, such as spreading malware, conducting a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, or hosting illegal content. This can have serious legal implications if your IP address is traced back as the source of such activities.

Privacy Violation: A hacked modem can lead to a severe violation of privacy. Hackers can potentially monitor your online activities, which can lead to identity theft, blackmail, or other forms of cybercrime.

How to Fix a Hacked WiFi Router: A Step-by-Step Guide

Change Your Router’s Login Credentials

The first step to reclaiming your digital sanctum is changing your router’s login credentials. By default, many routers come with weak or common usernames and passwords, making them easy targets. Changing these credentials prevents unauthorized access.

1. Connect to your router: Ensure that your computer or device is connected to the same network as your router. You can connect via a wired Ethernet cable or through a Wi-Fi connection.
2. Open a web browser: Launch a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
3. Enter the router’s IP address: In the address bar of your web browser, type in the IP address of your router. The most common IP addresses for routers are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, but it can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your router. If you’re unsure about the IP address, you can find it in the router’s manual or by searching online using your router’s make and model.
4. Enter the default login credentials: When the router’s login page appears, you will be prompted to enter the login credentials. By default, the username is often “admin,” and the password is either “admin” or left blank. Check your router’s manual or search online for the default credentials specific to your router model if you’re unsure.
5. Access the router settings: After entering the correct login credentials, you should gain access to the router’s settings or administrative interface.
6. Locate the security or administration section: The exact navigation and layout of the settings can vary depending on the router model and firmware. Look for sections related to security, administration, or user accounts.
7. Change the username: Locate the field where you can change the username and enter your desired username. It is recommended to choose a unique username that is not easy to guess.
8. Change the password: Find the field where you can change the password. Create a strong password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Make sure it’s unique and not used for any other accounts.
9. Save the changes: Once you have entered your new username and password, look for a “Save” or “Apply” button within the router’s settings. Click on it to save the changes.
10. Confirm the new login credentials: To ensure that the changes have taken effect, close the web browser and reopen it. Access the router’s login page again using the updated username and password.

Update Your Router’s Firmware

Keeping your router’s firmware updated is critical. Updates often come with security enhancements that protect your router from newly discovered threats. Check the manufacturer’s website or your router’s user interface for updates regularly.

Enable WPA3 Security

The WiFi Protected Access (WPA3) protocol offers the highest level of wireless security currently available. If your router supports it, ensure that WPA3 is enabled.

Disable Remote Management

Disabling remote management features prevents potential hackers from accessing your router’s settings from a remote location. This can typically be found in your router’s settings or preferences.

Consider a Factory Reset

If all else fails, performing a factory reset on your router can clear out any malicious alterations. Be aware, though, that this will erase all your settings, and you’ll have to set up your network again from scratch.

1. Locate the reset button: Look for a small reset button on your modem. It is typically a tiny hole labeled “Reset” or “Factory Reset.” The location of the reset button can vary depending on the modem model.
2. Have a Pin or Paperclip handy: To press the reset button, you’ll need a thin object such as a pin or a straightened paperclip.
3. Power off the modem: Ensure that the modem is powered off. You can unplug it from the power source or simply turn off the power switch, if available.
4. Press and hold the reset button: Using the pin or paperclip, press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds. Make sure to apply steady pressure.
5. Power on the modem: While still holding the reset button, power on the modem by plugging it back into the power source or turning on the power switch.
6. Continue holding the reset button: Keep holding the reset button for another 10-15 seconds after powering on the modem. This duration may vary depending on the modem model, so refer to your modem’s manual for specific instructions if needed.
7. Release the reset button: After the appropriate duration, release the reset button. The modem will begin the reset process.
8. Wait for the reset to complete: Allow the modem a few minutes to complete the factory reset process. During this time, the modem’s lights may blink or change patterns.
9. Reset the modem’s default settings: After the reset is finished, the modem will revert to its factory default settings. This includes the default username, password, and other configuration settings. You will need to reconfigure the modem if necessary.
10. Reconfigure the modem: Connect to the modem using a web browser by entering the default IP address (such as 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) in the address bar. Use the default username and password provided in the modem’s documentation to access the settings. Follow the instructions to set up your modem with the desired configuration.

Additional Tips to Enhance Your Router’s Security

In addition to the steps above, maintaining good digital hygiene can help prevent future intrusions. This can include changing your passwords regularly, disabling WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), and regularly monitoring your network for unfamiliar devices.

Checking If Your Information Has Been Leaked to Other Hackers

If you suspect your router has been hacked then after you have followed the guide to secure your router we recommend cheking if your information has been leaked to other hackers that have often led to identity theft, unauthorised access to your accounts and others. 

Check these websites below:

Conclusion

In the digital age, securing your WiFi router is paramount and now you know how to do it with our guide. By recognizing signs of a hack and implementing the recommended steps – changing credentials, updating firmware, enabling advanced security, disabling remote management, and considering a factory reset, you can effectively combat cyber threats and ensure a safe online experience.

FAQ

What happens if a WiFi router is hacked?

When your WiFi router is hacked, unauthorized individuals may gain access to your personal data, financial information, and control over your internet connection. They could also use your network to conduct illegal activities.

Does resetting WiFi get rid of hackers?

Yes, performing a factory reset on your WiFi router can effectively remove hackers from your network. However, it also erases all your settings, requiring you to set up your network again.

Can your WiFi router get hacked?

Yes, your WiFi router can be hacked. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated firmware or weak security settings to gain unauthorized access to your network.

Why do hackers hack routers?

Hackers primarily hack routers to gain unauthorized access to personal data, conduct illegal activities, or potentially manipulate your internet connection. A compromised router can also be used to launch attacks on other networks.