There are a number of ways that a hacker can exploit your wi-fi and access all of your sensitive information - and it's a lot easier to spot than you'd think.
Technology firm Aura have had their boffins look into the tell-tale signs that your wi-fi has been surpassed by cyber criminals.
If this does happen, these strangers will access your private, personal information, including bank details, which could go as far as dialling in to private conversations you have with your parents, family or loved ones.
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But, there are five signs that can reveal if your wi-fi has been hacked or not.
Decreased internet speed
A sudden and abnormal slowing down of your connection to the internet could signal that your hackers have targeted your router, especially if there are usually no problems with your internet provider.
Detecting unfamiliar devices or IP addresses
Rogue devices that you may not recognise could serve as a sign that there are cyber thieves looking at your router to access sensitive information.
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If you see this happening, you have to log in to your router's IP address (usually on the router itself), and review the list of connected devices to see if any unrecognised ones appear.
The Wi-Fi password has suddenly changed
If this happens out of the blue, there's a chance that there's a link with hacking activity.
These pesky hackers will usually change your login details after finding their way through the router, so you can't go in and fix the issue yourself.
New or unrecognised software on your devices
If you spot some new unusual software on your device, it may be an indicator of hacking activity, as they have targeted your router and potentially installed malware.
Odd activity in your internet browser
It's something you'll almost certainly notice - if your browser starts to bring you to weird websites, hackers may have changed your Domain Name System (DNS) settings, and things like ransomware messages begin to pop up that claim to have sensitive information/data, or some of your photos, hackers may have got through your router.
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One common method of trying to hack into your sensitive information is for fake buyers to reach out to legitimate sellers of items, pretending to want to buy something.
The transaction then never takes place, as the fraudster would instead lie and say they have transferred funds, that are only accessible through a dodgy link.
The link is usually a phishing one, where, if the seller unknowingly complies, could type in their bank card details, thinking they are going to receive money, but instead, their account is emptied.
However, there are precautions you can take. Make sure to download anti-virus software to help keep those hackers at bay.
Topics: Technology, Crime, Weird
Joshua Nair