How to Tell If Someone Hacked Your Router

hacker with computer

Antimalware programs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Every day over 350,000 new malware is detected.

It’s no wonder your anti-virus software has a hard time keeping up. Malicious hackers are able to sneak by without being detected. They do this by constantly changing their malware. Just by swapping a few bytes around, they can skirt around your antimalware with ease.

Antimalware programs try to stay vigilant by tracking behavior or the heuristics of programs. Still, it’s not uncommon for malware to remain undetected despite our defense’s best efforts.

That’s where your own awareness comes in handy. If malware gets past your system, then you need to spot the signs that someone has hacked you.

A hacked router compromises your safety and security. Have you been hacked without realizing it? Learn how to tell if someone hacked your router.

1. You See Fake Pop-Up Messages

Don’t be fooled by malware that is disguised as some of your other software. If you’re seeing pop-ups on your device about viruses from an unfamiliar ransomware software, don’t click on it!

Malware can show up on your desktop as an antivirus software that looks like it’s trying to help you. Sometimes it will recommend downloading protection or will suggest clicking for a virus scan.

These frequent and random pop-ups are a red flag that malware is at play. To clear these out, you may just need to close the browser you are on. If this doesn’t work, then restart your computer.

2. Your Friends Get Social Media Messages

Another sign that malware is at play is when your friends receive a message from you that you never sent.

This could be in the form of a post or a private message. This can also happen through your email account. It can be very scary when you discover that someone or something has been impersonating you on your accounts!

Make sure you immediately follow-up by letting your family and friends know to ignore any messages from you. They should especially avoid clicking any links that are sent from that account. These could cause malware to spread on their devices.

Also, contact the website to let them know. They often have their own security measures that can help you resolve the problem.

3. Hacked Security Cameras

Security cameras are one of the more invasive ways that hackers are able to attack. It’s fairly easy for hackers to gain access to security cameras, especially if you don’t change the manufacturer’s password or if your cameras aren’t encrypted.

Some signs that it has been hacked include the camera rotating on its own or a strange noise or voice coming from the camera. Another sign is if the LED light on your camera is illuminated even if you didn’t activate your camera.

If you notice any of these signs you should log onto your camera’s taskbar and see if any of the security settings have been changed. You may even find a copy of your camera’s program.

Immediately unplug your computer from the internet. Then run an anti-virus scan on your computer to make sure your computer is not infected.

Always be certain to purchase security cameras that have advanced encryption. Then you’re ready to determine the optimum security camera placement.

4. Malicious Browser Toolbars

It’s fairly common for hackers to use fake browser toolbars to trick you into downloading their malware. If you notice unfamiliar toolbars showing up on your browser then ditch them immediately.

You can do this by reviewing your active or installed toolbars and then deleting the fake ones. If you don’t see the malicious toolbar items listed, then try resetting your toolbar back to its default settings.

To avoid this happening to you, always be wary of free software installations. Usually, in their license agreements, they will mention these toolbars. Be careful whenever downloading free software from an unfamiliar site.

5. Your Passwords Aren’t Working

If you try logging into an account and your password isn’t working, then it’s possible that you’ve been hacked. Take time to make sure you are definitely entering the correct password. It also could be the result of a glitch on the website.

If you still find that it isn’t working, then this could be because of a phishing email that asked for your log in information. The hackers were then able to steal your passwords and take over your account.

Make sure you contact the website. You should also change any other passwords that are the same as the one that was hacked.

6. Your Cursor is Moving

If you notice your computer turn on by itself, usually after midnight, and the cursor starts moving and clicking on links. Then this could mean that a hacker has taken over your computer.

They usually target in this way when everyone is asleep. Then they will use your computer to steal from your accounts. You should quickly unplug your computer from the internet if you see this happening.

7. Money is Missing From Your Accounts

Hopefully, you will be able to spot some of these other signs before you notice something more serious like money missing from your accounts. It is possible for hackers to gain access to your personal accounts by sending phishing emails that impersonate your bank or stock trading company.

If you can catch this transaction early enough you should have no problem getting your money back. Most financial institutions will replace stolen funds.

Usually, there is a limit on how much can be withdrawn from your account at a time. However, the attackers may change your contact information before making a withdrawal. Make sure your financial institution will alert you if your contact information is being changed.

How to Tell if Someone Hacked Your Router

Thanks for reading this guide on how to tell if someone hacked your router. We hope these warning signs will help you take action before too much damage is done.

No one wants their privacy compromised by malicious attackers, but sadly it is a daily threat. The key is to take action quickly and report it.

Want more advice on your security protection? Check out our website for valuable information that could save you.