Most people think of viruses as something that infects a computer or a phone. But your router can be infected too, and because every device in your home connects through it, a compromised router puts your whole network at risk. The good news is that router infections usually leave clues, and a few simple habits go a long way toward keeping threats out.

Watch for these symptoms

Common router virus symptoms include unexplained internet slowdowns, sudden browser redirects to strange websites, frequent pop-ups or fake security alerts, and unfamiliar devices appearing on your network. If you notice one or more of these, it is worth taking a closer look:

  • 1. Slow internet speeds — Your connection feels sluggish even when no one in the house is streaming or downloading. Malware on a router often uses your bandwidth in the background.
  • 2. Locked out of the admin panel — You cannot sign in to your router's settings page, or your password no longer works. Attackers frequently change the admin login to keep you out.
  • 3. Browser redirects and pop-ups — You type in a familiar website and land somewhere else, or you see frequent pop-ups and fake "your device is infected" security alerts. A hijacked router can quietly send your traffic to malicious sites.
  • 4. Unfamiliar devices on your network — Phones, computers, or other devices you do not recognize show up in your connected device list.
  • 5. Unusual data spikes — Your data usage jumps with no change in how your family uses the internet. Infected routers are often used to send spam or take part in attacks on other networks.

How to protect your router and network

  • 1. Change default passwords — Replace the factory admin password and Wi-Fi password with strong, unique ones. Default logins are printed on the router and are the first thing attackers try.
  • 2. Update firmware regularly — Router makers release updates that patch security holes. Check for updates every month, or turn on automatic updates if your router supports them.
  • 3. Use strong encryption — Make sure your Wi-Fi is set to WPA3, or WPA2 if WPA3 is not available. Older settings like WEP and WPA are easy to break.
  • 4. Disable remote management — Unless you have a specific need for it, turn off the option that lets your router be managed from outside your home network.
  • 5. Install antivirus on your devices — Keep security software running on your computers, phones, and tablets so a threat that slips past the router still gets caught.

Stop threats at the router

Tools like CommandIQ and ProtectIQ stop these threats by scanning traffic at the router level, before malware ever reaches individual devices. CommandIQ shows you every device connected to your Wi-Fi so unfamiliar ones stand out right away, and ProtectIQ blocks malware, hackers, and scam sites automatically and sends an alert to your phone when it stops something. Both apps are included with select iGo Technology home internet plans. Read more about what CommandIQ and ProtectIQ do for your home.

Need help securing your home network?

Our local team is here to help keep your home and devices safe and secure. Stop by 1095 Plaza Drive in Grundy, call (276) 935-8307, or contact us online. You can also follow us on Facebook for more tips.