Are Netgear Routers Getting Hacked
Cant update firmware hacked router N300 We own a few dozen of these routers at work, for staff housing. A number of them where hacked and looked like they where being used as bot relays due to the lovely security flaw Netgear left. Unfortunately, unless proper security precautions are taken, your router can put you in danger of being hacked. An unsecured router can lead to identity theft or the spread of malware. ComputerWorld calls a hacked router “the worst thing that can happen to computer users.” Through a hacked router, criminals can steal your personal information, send you to fake websites, upload malware, or even use your network to attack other networks.
One of my neighbours hacked the password of my router and he uses my limited internet package. I change the wifi SSID almost daily, but he can hack it easily. Today, he changed the SSID to a hate speech 'insult'.
How can I stop him? I need a quick and powerful solution. Is there any easy-to-use software that protects my wifi?
In case you own one of the listed routers, you’re strongly advised to update the firmware of your device in order to avoid risking getting hacked. Netgear has already posted the updated firmware. There have been a lot of cases of wireless routers being hacked or infected with malware recently. With news of the malware known as the “Moon” that has been infecting a number of LinkSys routers (one of the most popular brands) and a report that one gang of hackers is in control of more than 300,000 wireless routers, this is a dangerous time to manage a wireless network.
I have an idea but I don't know how to do it. Sometimes my mobile (smart phone) finds a wifi network that does not have a password. So, I can connect to it easily. When I access the internet, all websites are unavailable. And I can not surf any webpage. How to do something like that?
Are Netgear Routers Getting Hacked On Facebook
Edit: I'm Using WPA/WPA2 PSK
schroeder♦7 Answers
There are two different passwords that access different functions. If an attacker has the admin password, then he / she can change the SSID, WiFi password, and any other settings on the WiFi router.
Teen titans go full episodes. To fix: ensure your WiFi security setting is WPA or WPA2. Then change the WiFi password to a long one (at least 12 characters, more is better) with special characters and numbers (such as #, $ %, !, 1, 6, see for example Is there any point in using 'strong' passwords?). Also, make sure the admin password on the WiFi router is changed from the factory default. This admin password is different than the WiFi password. It should also be a long complicated password, but do NOT make it the same as the WiFi password. The WiFi password is the one you give to friends and family to access your WiFi. The admin password should be kept with you only, or people you REALLY trust, as it can be used to change WiFi settings. Once this is done, change the SSID back to one you like.
Also, make sure to disable the feature called Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). See http://www.howtogeek.com/176124/wi-fi-protected-setup-wps-is-insecure-heres-why-you-should-disable-it/ for details on why WPS is not recommended.
If the attacker is still able to change the SSID and any passwords, your system is more deeply compromised and I would recommend contacting a computer expert or store who can help you clean your system. They can also give you advice on if there is anything local law enforcement can do, as your attacker is likely committing a crime.
Ok I am changing my answer after reading all the comments. You need to understand the basics:
SSID = The SSID is the name of the wireless broadcast from your router. This is not a username.
If the person keeps getting in then its possible your security is not WPA2 like you think it is. or your password for the wifi is really weak or common. try a randomised password.
If he can connect to your wifi, he can connect to your router through a web browser. Typically the address to access a router in the browser is 192.168.0.1 OR 192.168.0.254 OR 192.168.1.1 OR 192.168.1.254 .. (to get the address more officially rather than guessing, open up command prompt in windows and type: ipconfig /all and look for your default gateway related to your network settings)
Upon accessing the router through the web a DIFFERENT password is used, if you use a netgear router the password could actually not exist and the user name will be admin.
When into the router you can change things such as the SSID easily.
How would I solve these issues?
Reset the router to factory default.
Change the router user name and password (NOT THE SSID)
Now change the SSID and make the wireless password / encryption a randomlygenerated WPA2-PSK.
A firmware update
If this fails, follow these steps, reset your devices as he may have bugged you in someway.
Does your router have WPS enabled? If so, disable it.
You say you change your router password often, do you mean the admin password to log into your router, or the password to connect to the WiFi? Change both to something complicated. If you're not changing the router admin password it's entirely possible he has compromised that.
Alternatively it's possible he's compromised your PC at some point when he was connected to your WiFi.
You mention that sometimes your phone connects to a WiFi network that doesn't have a password.. is this when you're at home?
Netgear Router Check
Change your security to block ALL devices, except MAC addresses of your own gear. You'll have to look them up and enter each one manually. But the change should stop him cold.
Changing the SSID won't save you from this annoyance.
You need to do a 'back to factory settings reset' (Check the manual of your router, sometimes it has a tiny button to allow this)
After that:
- Enter the router config page (with the default admin password)
- Put a new router admin password (strong one preferable)
- Change the default SSID and password the router recreates (hidingSSID broadcast helps a tiny bit)
- If you have your router near your wireless devices, reducing the transmission power will help another bit (in case the attacker isn't close)
- Disable WPS (some routers can be hacked via WPS)
- Disable remote admin (in case the remote admin password has been compromised or if you don't need frequent ISP support).
If the attacker keeps getting in, consider a firmware upgrade or a router replacement.
Hope this helps.
Disable wireless administration: Change the setting that allows administration of the router through a wireless connection to off . This means that you need to connect with a LAN cable for administration. This disables any wireless hacking into the router.
GAD3RGAD3ROn most routers you should make certain that you've turned off remote administration. You should only allow the administration of your router from hardwired IPs. That way, even if they get the SSID password, they're not changing your router.
Also.. move your router further away from the hacker. If you don't know who it is, move it to a different room, wait for them to hack it, move it again, etc. If you have a basement, you might put it there as long as it is still useable to you. If they get a crappy signal, they'll likely move on.
protected by Rory Alsop♦Dec 11 '15 at 8:11
Thank you for your interest in this question. Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?