Online games lag, the picture freezes during a job interview, and video streaming\u2019s out of the question: It might be that your router can\u2019t handle the load, but consider the neighbors as well. Are they surfing on your dime?<\/p>\n
To find out if broadband squatters are stealing your bandwidth, you need to check the list of devices connected to your network. Your router\u2019s administration pages will show you that list, but unfortunately, not all manufacturers prioritize user-friendliness, and the list can be difficult to understand. An alternative option is to use Kaspersky Premium<\/a>\u2018s simple and straightforward home network map<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how: In the router settings or Kaspersky Security Cloud, open the list of connected devices and check it carefully. If you see an unfamiliar name next to the expected household members\u2019 phones and laptops, plus any smart appliances you own, someone else is probably using your connection.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not nice, of course, but surely it isn\u2019t dangerous \u2014 right?<\/p>\n Well, it is. Your neighbor might think they\u2019re just downloading WandaVision<\/em> but accidentally grab some malware as well, which will then attack your devices over the Wi-Fi you\u2019re unwittingly sharing<\/a>. In fact, a Trojan can give attackers access to every bit of data you send over the Internet: credit card numbers, confidential work documents, and so forth. Even if you don\u2019t mind a slower connection, you should probably kick squatters off your home network, and make sure they can\u2019t come back.<\/p>\n\n Change your passwords.<\/strong> Passwords are still your first line of defense, so if for some reason you haven\u2019t already, set a password for your Wi-Fi network. If you did, but outsiders are still connecting, change the password to guard against brute-force access. Make the password strong<\/a>! Yes, every connected device will have to reconnect, but you shouldn\u2019t have to enter that stronger password more than once per device.<\/p>\n At the same time, change your router\u2019s admin panel username and password<\/strong>. Remember that factory settings are not unique \u2014 often the same combinations, such as admin\/admin or admin\/password, unlock any of the thousands of units of the same model. They\u2019re very easy to find, posted online<\/a>, and essentially an open invitation to hackers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Disable WPS<\/strong>. Using WPS (Wi-Fi protected setup) simplifies the authorization process. Whereas setting up a wireless home network used to require at least a bit of tech savvy, routers now have WPS so users can simply press, click, or tap a button on the router, or enter an 8-digit PIN, to connect. The short PIN is extremely vulnerable<\/a> to brute-force attacks, however, and entering it doesn\u2019t even require admin panel access. In practice, it means anyone in network range can brute-force the PIN in a couple of hours (far less<\/a> if you didn\u2019t change the factory default settings).<\/p>\n Enable WPA2<\/a> encryption<\/strong> in the router settings to protect your data from interception.<\/p>\n The latest router models support WPA3, which provides even stronger security. Unfortunately, not all devices are compatible with it yet. If you have the time and energy, you may want to experiment, but even if you don\u2019t, WPA2 will do for basic protection. You can change the type of encryption in the router settings.<\/p>\n For more home Wi-Fi security tips, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve kicked off any uninvited guests but your connection is still too slow, then the problem lies elsewhere. Try our tips for optimizing your home Wi-Fi<\/a>. <\/p>\n If your home network is working great, and you actually want to share your Wi-Fi with certain neighbors, set up a guest subnet for them<\/a>. That way you\u2019ll be helping out some good folks without putting your own devices at risk.<\/p>\nBlock unauthorized Wi-Fi access<\/h2>\n
What to do if your Wi-Fi is still sluggish<\/h2>\n
Share bandwidth safely<\/h2>\n
Stay protected<\/h2>\n