Cybercrimes have increased at a fast rate since everything nowadays is done via the internet. According to statistics from Accenture and Ponemon Institute, as of 2017, an average company experiences 130 security breaches every year.

These criminals have several goals on their minds when they carry out such activities. From getting valuable and private information to ruining the reputation of the company, these criminals can cause huge issues to companies if not dealt with.

Before jumping on how to stop hackers using your WiFi, Let’s answer one important question! “How to know if my router is hacked?”.

Types Of Hack & How To Fix A Hacked Network

Ransomware 

One of the most common signs you notice when someone is stealing your WiFi is when you get ransomware messages. These messages appear on the front pages of websites and restrict access to the content until the hacker is not paid.

The problem starts when the target of the hacker opens a spam email or message redirecting them to a website that contains malware or infected files. When the victim enters the website, it allows the hacker to install ransomware on the computer of the victim, gaining access to the corporate network as a result.

Solution

The best way to tackle this problem is to first look for an expert opinion. If your company is under attack it is best that you shut down any infected parts of their system to minimize the damage.

Having a plan in advance of handling ransomware messages is a good practice as it allows you to face the problem with a plan and fix it as early as you can. In case your network is already affected make sure you do not listen to the hacker’s demands and contact law enforcement immediately to remove hackers from your network.

Remote Desktop Hack

Another sign that you notice when checking if your router is hacked is when your computer starts to function without input from your side. This situation is known as “Remote Desktop Hack” and has become one of the most common hacking techniques in the past few years.

Solution

The most obvious thing that you can do to solve this issue is by turning off and disconnecting all your devices connected to the network. Secondly, look at the network in detail to look for unexpected and unusual activity. Then run virus scans on the affected devices to remove the hackers from the network.

Receiving Strange Messages From Colleagues

This is another scenario that hackers create to have access to a company’s private information. Staff members get Emails from trustworthy colleagues that mostly have links included. 

These links look realistic and innocent, for example, they tell you to download some files that seem work-related. However, when someone downloads them, it allows the hacker to have larger access around the company.

Solution

This situation mostly occurs when hackers use techniques like phishing or spoofing. Companies can protect themselves from this situation by informing employees about these two techniques and the types of emails and online content that cause this problem.

File Encryption

This type of attack, unfortunately, doesn’t involve any messages or signs that the ones mentioned above have. This makes it very hard for people to detect them. 

Encrypted files cannot be accessed even if they are clicked on. The hackers won’t release the accessibility until you give what he/she requires. 

Solution

The best solution for this is to have anti-virus software installed. Not only that but running it frequently and keeping it up to date is also a crucial practice to have complete security towards data encryption. 

Secondly, make sure you have backups of important files at all costs. Because, in case your data does get encrypted, getting the file back is a huge task that can’t be done without a professional decryptor.

Redirects In Browsers

Have you ever experienced annoying tabs being opened while you are visiting a website! There is a chance that it might be a trap. Or someone had accessed your IP address. you better change your IP address.

These issues are caused by “redirect viruses” and often come from bundled downloading files. Hackers have more tricks up their sleeve, the websites that they redirect you to are similar to the one you were visiting, making you a few clicks away from issues like encryption as mentioned above.

Solution

There is software available for free that detects redirects in your browser which can be a handy tool to have installed. 

Protect Your Laptops and Desktops!

It’s sad but true that hackers are constantly in search of their next target. There has been news of huge companies like Microsoft being hacked. So what’s the guarantee that you won’t be breached? 

The best solution is to have a reliable antivirus installed on your devices that will provide 24/7 protection to your networks. Here are our 3 picks!

1. Norton 360

Equipped with anti-malware, Norton uses machine learning to detect malware threats that most of the other antiviruses aren’t able to detect. Once the real-time protection is on the device is not allowed to download any spyware to the device.

1. McAfee Total Protection

Another strong option for your network’s protection is McAfee’s Total Protection. This software provides both spy-ware detection and removal features. McAfee also has several Internet protection features to keep you safe from spyware and malware. Another feature that makes McAfee a strong tool is its VPN as it is considered to be one of the best in the market.

1. Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a cloud-based scanner that detects spyware without slowing down your system. They have additional services that they provide as well like, Firewall, Secure Browser, and VPN to name a few. Their secure browsing service is known as “Safepay” is a read-only window for online transactions. Spywares can’t monitor your traffic, gather information, or infect your search engine with Bitdefender around, making it a strong tool to have if you frequently make online transactions.

Phones are Vulnerable!

These hackers use every possible way to get access to your information. They have also started to find ways to breach through your phones as well.

To prevent this scenario follow these cautionary steps:

Beware of Public WiFi networks

Don’t connect to public networks that you don’t trust. Many hackers use these networks for ways to carry out their antics.

Mobile VPNs

Just like in laptops and desktops, VPN software is available on your mobile phones as well, making your browsing experience safe and secure.

What we have learned from looking at the dangers that these hackers possess is the fact that there should always be backup files available at all costs. This makes the recovery of your files quick in case your device does get corrupted. 

Hopefully, this has given you knowledge of the signs on how to know if your router is hacked. So, in the future, you have an idea of how to deal with hackers on your network.