Someone's Using Your Network: Quick Fixes
We all know that securing a network is really important. Whether at home or at work, any network you use should be entirely secure inside and out. But, sometimes, no matter what we try to do, networks can become compromised. This becomes a really big deal when the person using your network is doing something illegal – it could be traced back to you.
What can you do? There's a simple fix to this issue.
First, you will have to find out what your IP address is. To do this:
- Click the ‘Start' button
- Click ‘Run'
- Type ‘CMD' then click OK
- Type ‘ipconfig' when you are asked for a prompt.
- Your IP address should appear starting with “IP (and a long string of numbers)
Next, log into your router by entering your router's IP address in your browser's search bar (a quick Google can help you find out what your router's IP address is). Log into your router with your User ID and Password (you may have to set this up if you haven't done so already).
Head to the ‘Administration' tab and search for ‘Log.' Select ‘Log,' and view the list of IP addresses that appear. If you see an IP address that is not your own, you now have proof that someone else is logging into your network. What can you do about it?
Kicking People Off Of Your Network
Your network was not secure the first time around, which is why someone was able to tap in. The logical step now is to secure your network better than you did the first time. The best way to secure your network is to log into your router, and see whether or not your network is secure. If your network is not secure, it's time to set up some serious passwords.
If your network is secure, but was still compromised, change your settings, password, and all other details. As with any other password that you choose, make sure the one you select for your network is hack-proof (or close to it). Use a combination of numbers and letters in order to secure your network, and leave nothing to chance.
This is the best way to ensure that your network is entirely secure, and that your neighbors won't be doing anything illegal with your network attached to that questionable activity.
