I first noticed something was off when my internet speed started to slow down significantly. Streaming videos were buffering endlessly, and even browsing the web became a chore.

To get to the bottom of this, I decided to monitor my network traffic. I used a network monitoring tool to see all devices connected to my Wi-Fi. To my surprise, I found several unfamiliar devices listed.

I made a list of all the known devices in my household and cross-checked them against the list from the network monitoring tool. The extra devices didn’t match any of ours.

The next step was to figure out who these devices belonged to. I noticed that the additional devices were only connected during certain hours, which helped narrow down the possible suspects to my immediate neighbors.

Before confronting my neighbors, I needed solid evidence. I took screenshots of the network logs showing the unauthorized devices connected to my Wi-Fi.

Armed with my evidence, I approached my neighbors. At first, they denied any wrongdoing, but when I showed them the logs, they admitted to using my Wi-Fi without permission. They claimed they didn’t think it was a big deal and apologized.

The first thing I did was change my Wi-Fi password to something strong and unique. This immediately kicked off all unauthorized devices from my network.

I also ensured that my network was using WPA3 encryption, the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard.

To prevent future issues, I set up a guest network with a separate password for visitors. This way, I could control access without compromising my main network’s security.

Make it a habit to change your Wi-Fi password regularly. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password.

Always use the latest encryption standard available for your router. WPA3 is currently the most secure option.

Regularly check the devices connected to your network. Use a network monitoring tool to keep an eye on any unfamiliar devices.

While this won’t stop determined hackers, disabling SSID broadcasting can hide your network from casual users.

Limit the number of devices that can connect to your network through DHCP. This can help prevent unauthorized devices from getting an IP address.

Unwanted users can hog your bandwidth, leading to slower internet speeds for legitimate devices.

Unauthorized users can potentially access shared files on your network or launch attacks from your IP address, making you liable for their actions.

In some regions, knowingly using someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is illegal and can lead to fines or other penalties.

Apps like Fing and GlassWire can help you monitor devices connected to your network and alert you to any suspicious activity.

Familiarize yourself with your router’s settings. Most routers offer a variety of security features that you can enable to protect your network.

Keep your router’s firmware updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

Discovering that my neighbors were secretly using my Wi-Fi was an eye-opener. It highlighted the importance of maintaining a secure network to protect your privacy and ensure optimal performance. By following the steps I took to secure my network, you can prevent unauthorized access and keep your internet connection safe.

Have you ever suspected someone of using your Wi-Fi without permission? What steps did you take to secure your network? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!