How can I tell if my network has been infiltrated?

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In an increasingly connected world, securing your wi-fi network has become essential to prevent a hacker from using your network without your knowledge. Compromising a home or business connection can allow an intruder to access your sensitive files, or even hijack your data via a falsified IP or MAC address.

To find out how to check for an intrusion, it's crucial to check whether your unknown devices appear in the list on your wifi or box. A suspicious address, abnormal activity on your IP address, or a sudden request for a password could all be signs of an attack. In some cases, an unknown Mac can discretely connect to your box to exploit your resources and compromise your security.

To detect an intrusion, it's essential to take a close look at the devices connected to your network. Check whether your internet or wi-fi connection shows any anomalies, then think about activating the monitoring options offered by your box. Finally, regularly checking the list of connected devices will enable you to spot any suspicious elements quickly.

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How to detect if an intruder has infiltrated your network

Signs of intrusion to watch out for

There are several clues as to how to check whether an intruder is using your wifi network. An unusual slowdown may indicate that someone is trying to take advantage of your connection. To do this, go to your box's interface and check the addresses listed. If you see devices connected to your network that you don't recognise, it's likely that a third party has infiltrated your wi-fi network.

Methods for checking and securing

You can also use specialised tools to detect whether an unknown device has infiltrated your network. Some hackers use advanced methods to discreetly infiltrate your systems and bypass the security key. To avoid this, change passwords regularly and activate dual authentication if possible. That way, even if someone uses your resources without authorisation, you can react in time to limit the risks.

How to check if your network has been hacked

Examine your connected devices

To find out how to detect a fault, start by checking all the devices connected to your network. Your box administration can display the devices connected to your box and their IP addresses. If you see unknown network devices or addresses, someone may be using your connection without authorisation.

Recognising the signs of intrusion

A compromised local network may present several alerts. For example, if you notice a sharp drop in throughput or unusual devices appearing, it may be because your wi-fi has been infiltrated. In this case, it's essential to secure your network immediately. By acting quickly, you reduce the risk that your system has been hacked and avoid any serious consequences.

Signs of network infiltration not to be overlooked

Check technical indices

The first sign of an intrusion is often visible directly from your browser's address bar. By entering the IP address of your box, you can access this interface via the IP address and check for suspicious activity. If you detect that someone is using your network or that there are unusual connections, this may indicate that an intruder is exploiting your access.

Identifying suspicious behaviour

If you notice regular slowdowns, try checking your network regularly to see if there is any unusual activity. In some cases, your ISP can help you confirm whether someone has hijacked your connection. When someone is using your resources without authorisation, it is essential to block the connected devices immediately and reinforce your network passwords. The use of a virtual private network is also advisable if a hacker tries to penetrate your systems.

Before moving on to the final recommendations, it's a good idea to examine your Internet box and identify the devices connected to it. Ask yourself: what are the signs of suspicious activity and how can you tell when an intruder has already gained access to your network?.

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Conclusion

Monitoring your network to see which devices are connected to it is an essential reflex. Thanks to tools built into your boxes or applications available from the Google Play Store, you can monitor any connection and quickly identify whether a device has established a connection without your knowledge.

This vigilance makes it possible to detect unauthorised peripherals or computers and to see which devices are connected. If in doubt, don't hesitate to see which devices are active and compare their activity with actual Internet traffic. In addition, some solutions guide you step by step and explain how to act: they allow you to see the devices, but also explain how to check the legitimacy of connections.

In practice, here's how to go about it: keep your systems up to date by applying all the updates, as they correct the vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. This will reduce the risk of someone taking advantage of your connection for free. In the event of an anomaly, always ask yourself whether someone from outside your household has already compromised your digital security.

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Author
Picture of Rodolphe Balay
Rodolphe Balay
Rodolphe Balay is co-founder of iterates, a web agency specialising in the development of web and mobile applications. He works with businesses and start-ups to create customised, easy-to-use digital solutions tailored to their needs.

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