How to Fix a Hacked Router: All-in-One Guide

In today’s world, the internet has become an essential part of our lives. However, with the increasing use of the internet, the risk of cyberattacks has also increased. One of the most common targets of cyberattacks is routers. If your router has been hacked, it can be a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

It seems simple enough, but many users don’t realize it’s not only their Facebook or email account that is susceptible to hacking. Cybercriminals can and do target all household items, including routers.That’s because routers are not only the gateway to all your other devices, but hackers can harvest them for their resources. In this all-in-one guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix a hacked router and prevent future attacks.

Why Do Hackers Target Routers?

It’s important to remember what routers do to answer this question. They connect many devices to the internet, and thus to the same network. Once hackers gain control of a router, they can use it for activities like:

• Tracking users’ internet activity
• Harvesting internet resources
• Implanting malware
• Blocking users
• Conducting malware attacks
• Redirecting users to pages that steal account credentials

Popular and Cheap Routers Are At the Highest Risk

Hackers most frequently target popular routers that people buy from sites like Amazon. They also attack those that come bundled with a home internet connection from your internet service provider.

Why these? For the same reason why hackers mainly attack Windows computers. They choose these routers because most people use them. Thus, they’re able to cast a wide net and infect as many devices as possible with the least amount of effort.

What Are The Signs of a Hacked Router?

Your router manages your home internet and connected devices. Once compromised, cybercriminals can perpetuate many malicious activities. Be on the lookout for these symptoms of a hacked router:

• Your internet speed is much slower, or router doesn’t work as well
• External IP addresses are present on your network
• You’ve been directed to fake web pages or received fake antivirus messages
• App installations are happening on your devices without permission

Hackers have different motives. If you see a foreign IP address, it may be your neighbor looking for a free WiFi connection. Or it may be an actual risk. Whatever it is, you need to shut down the danger as soon as possible.

How to Fix a Hacked Router?

Here’s what you need to do to fix a hacked router. But now’s a good time to consider investing in a more secure router. We’re in the dawn of the WiFi-6 era, which is not only much faster but has more advanced safety features. If your router is more than a few years old, it may be time to upgrade.

In the meantime, you can fix a hacked router by following these steps:

1. Reboot

It is the number one recommendation from the FBI to combat router hackers. Begin by holding the reset button until the router powers off. Once it reloads, you need to reconfigure your network settings from scratch.

2. Update Router Firmware

As with all devices, router manufacturers release patches to fix security and performance issues. But most devices cannot automatically update on their own as your computer or phone can.

Once every 2-3 months, check for updates and follow instructions for how to install updates onto your router.

3. Deactivate Remote Administration

Remote Administration allows users to access your network and connected devices from a different location. It’s an excellent feature for many uses but can leave you vulnerable to attack.

4. Create a Guest Network

Guess Network allows you to have a separate network for visitors to use that’s different from your home. It is the best way to protect your smart home devices that rely on an internet connection.

5. Use a Strong Password

For the same reasons you need to use a strong password for your online accounts, you also need one for your router. Set robust passwords both for your personal and guest networks.

Use a Windows password manager to generate and secure those passwords. This way, you can create and have robust passwords at hand.

If you need to share the password with a guest, you can use secure share features to make it happen. It’s also a good idea to update this password once every month or so.

Forward Ports on a Hacked Router

Forwarding ports is essential and commonly used for security cameras, gaming, and downloading files. Below is how you can forward ports on your router;

• Login to your router using the default gateway.
• Sign in using its default login credentials.
• Go to the Advanced link.
• Click on the Port Forwarding link.
• Click on Virtual Servers.
• Click on Add.
• Select a protocol type.
• Enter your device IP address.
• Enter the same port in both the Port Range boxes for single port forwarding.
• Click Apply / Save to apply changes.

Also Check: Best Secured Routers You need to Check 

Bottom Line

Whether you suspect your router has been hacked or not, use these tips to increase the safety of your home network. It will take you a few hours every few months, but it adds security everybody needs these days.

FAQ’s

Q1. How do I know if my router has been hacked?

There are a few signs that may indicate that your router has been hacked. These include slow internet speeds, devices on your network that you don’t recognize, or unexpected changes to your router’s settings. If you suspect that your router has been hacked, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Q2. How can I fix a hacked router?

The first step in fixing a hacked router is to disconnect it from the internet. You can then change the login credentials for your router and update its firmware. It’s also important to check for any unauthorized devices on your network and remove them. In some cases, you may need to reset your router to its factory settings.

Q3. How can I prevent my router from being hacked in the future?

There are several steps you can take to prevent your router from being hacked in the future. These include regularly updating your router’s firmware, changing the default login credentials, and enabling strong security measures such as WPA2 encryption. It’s also important to avoid using default passwords and to keep your router in a secure location.

Q4. Can a hacked router cause damage to my devices?

Yes, a hacked router can cause damage to your devices. Hackers can use a compromised router to gain access to your personal information, install malware on your devices, or even take control of your devices. It’s important to fix a hacked router as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.

Q5. Should I hire a professional to fix my hacked router?

If you are unsure about how to fix a hacked router or are not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional. A cybersecurity expert can help you identify and fix any vulnerabilities in your network and provide you with advice on how to prevent future attacks.