How to Check If Someone Is Using Your Wi-Fi.

Check the devices related to your router.

The first factor you would like to try to to is login to your router's body console by typewriting its scientific discipline address directly into the browser address bar -- usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 depending on that router you've got. If you do not recognize your router's default address scrutinize this guide or just head to the prompt (Start ; Run/Search for cmd) and enter ipconfig. The address you would like ought to be next to Default entrance below your native space association.

Alternatively, if you're on a waterproof, you'll realize the default address by planning to Network below System Preferences. It ought to be listed right next to "Router:" if you're exploitation local area network, or by clicking on "Advanced…" and heading to the "TCP/IP" tab if you're exploitation Wi-Fi. Next, purpose your browser thereto address and enter your login details -- if you haven't modified the default settings it ought to be a mix of "admin" and "password" or blank fields. Here's a default username and arcanum list (PDF) you would possibly realize helpful, however we have a tendency to advocate you alter this after.

Once within your router's body console search for a vicinity associated with connected devices or wireless standing. In my previous DIR-655 from D-Link it's obtainable beneath standing Wireless however you will find it as "Attached Devices" in Netgear routers, beneath DHCP shoppers Table on Linksys routers, "Device List" if you're victimisation the Tomato firewall, and so on.

This should give a table with the ip, mack address and different details of each device presently connected to the router. make certain list against your gear to seek out any intruders. you'll be able to ascertain the MAC/IP address of your computers by getting to the prompt once more and getting into 'ipconfig /all'. The mack address are going to be shown because the physical address. i will allow you to figure it out for mobile devices like smartphones and media players since i can not presumably list all choices.

Taking action

The best and simplest resolution is to line up a strong password WPA2 or WPA -- WEP is extremely straightforward to crack thus avoid that if doable. There area unit another ways you'll be able to use to support security, like shift off the SSID broadcast (which prevents it from advertising the name of your network to near  Wi-Fi devices) or setup a filter for allowed or blocked devices by waterproof address. It will not stop the foremost determined interloper however it'll slow him down.

That should be over enough for many users however if you wish to really capture who's been breaking into your network it's doable to pinpoint his physical location employing a tool referred to as MoocherHunter. you will need to burn a Live CD in addition your laptop computer with and walk around to trace down unauthorized wireless purchasers. consistent with the program's description, it detects traffic on your network and might notice the supply inside a pair of meters accuracy.