Concerned About Neighbor’s Potential Surveillance? Here’s How to Secure Your Network

In today’s interconnected world, securing personal information is more crucial than ever. Recently, I encountered an unsettling situation that made me reconsider my network security standards. It seems my neighbor might have compromised my internet connection, and the implications are troubling.

The Suspicion

It all began with an eerie feeling that my neighbor was reading the content displayed on my computer screen. After doing some research, I suspect that my router may have been breached due to its outdated security protocol—WEP. While WEP was once a standard for wireless security, it is now widely regarded as inadequate for protecting sensitive data.

Troubleshooting Challenges

In my attempts to resolve this issue, I faced a frustrating hurdle: I couldn’t access my router settings. Each time I tried, an error message would pop up, indicating that the connection “took too long,” which only heightened my concerns about the integrity of my network.

To tackle this issue, I took proactive steps by utilizing various tools designed for network security. I ran scans with HijackThis and Malwarebytes, focusing on potential rootkits, and also checked for any unusual activity with a wireless network watcher. So far, these efforts have not revealed any definitive signs of tampering.

Seeking Solutions

As I navigate this situation, I’m reaching out for advice, particularly considering that I’m operating on an older Windows 7 laptop. If you have any suggestions for securing my network or detecting intrusions, your insights would be greatly appreciated.

Best Practices for Network Security

For anyone else who might find themselves in a similar predicament, here are some essential steps to bolster your router’s security:

Upgrade Your Router: Consider replacing older models that utilize outdated security protocols. Opt for routers that support WPA3 or, at the very least, WPA2.
Change Default Passwords: Always update factory-set passwords for your router. Choose a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols.
Regularly Update Firmware: Keep your router’s firmware up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Enable Network Encryption: Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption to safeguard your data from prying eyes.
Monitor Connected Devices: Regularly review the devices connected to your network to identify any unauthorized access.
Consider a VPN: Utilizing a Virtual Private Network can add an extra layer of security when