How to Block Unauthorized Network Access: Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Network

If you suspect unauthorized network access, it’s crucial to secure your Wi-Fi network before hackers or unwanted users exploit your bandwidth and sensitive data. Unauthorized users can slow down your internet, steal private information, or launch cyberattacks.

This step-by-step guide will help you detect and block unauthorized users, enable access control, and use MAC filtering to secure your Wi-Fi network.

Signs of Unauthorized Network Access

If your internet is slow or you notice unfamiliar devices, you might have unauthorized users on your network. Look for:

✅ Unrecognized devices in router settings
✅ Unusual data usage spikes
✅ Internet speed slowing down at random times
✅ Strange behavior from connected smart devices

If you suspect unauthorized network access, follow the steps below to secure your network.

Step 1: Check for Unauthorized Users in Your Router

To confirm if someone is accessing your Wi-Fi without permission, check the list of connected devices.

How to View Connected Devices:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Enter your admin username and password (usually found on the router label).
3. Navigate to Wireless Settings > Connected Devices or DHCP Client List.
4. Look for unfamiliar MAC addresses or device names.

🔹 If you see unknown devices, move to Step 2 to remove them.

Step 2: Remove Unauthorized Users from Your Network

Most routers allow you to kick off unauthorized users by blocking their MAC addresses.

How to Block a Device from Your Router:

1. Find the unknown device’s MAC address in your router’s Connected Devices list.
2. Navigate to Wireless Settings > MAC Filtering or Access Control.
3. Add the device’s MAC address to the Block List or Blacklist.
4. Save changes and restart the router.

This prevents the unauthorized user from reconnecting. However, if they hack your Wi-Fi password, they can return. Proceed to Step 3 to change your Wi-Fi credentials.

Step 3: Change Your Wi-Fi Password Immediately

If an unauthorized user has gained access, change your Wi-Fi password to prevent them from reconnecting.

How to Change Wi-Fi Password:

1. Log in to your router admin panel.
2. Navigate to Wireless Settings > Wi-Fi Security.
3. Set a new strong password (use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
4. Save changes and restart the router.

✅ Reconnect all your authorized devices using the new password.

Step 4: Enable WPA3 or WPA2 Security

Outdated security settings (WEP or WPA1) are easy to hack. Ensure your Wi-Fi encryption is up to date.

How to Upgrade Wi-Fi Security:

1. Go to Wireless Settings > Security Mode.
2. Select WPA3 (if supported) or WPA2-PSK (AES).
3. Save changes and restart the router.

🔹 This makes it harder for hackers to crack your Wi-Fi password.

Step 5: Enable MAC Filtering for Extra Security

MAC filtering ensures only authorized devices can connect to your Wi-Fi network.

How to Enable MAC Filtering:

1. Open router settings and go to MAC Filtering or Access Control.
2. Turn on Whitelist Mode (Only Allowed Devices Can Connect).
3. Add the MAC addresses of your devices (laptops, phones, smart TVs).
4. Save changes and restart your router.

✅ Now, only approved devices can join the network, blocking unauthorized users.

Step 6: Hide Your SSID to Make Your Network Invisible

Hackers can scan for open Wi-Fi networks. Hiding your SSID prevents it from showing up in search results.

How to Hide Your SSID:

1. Go to Wireless Settings in the router admin panel.
2. Find the option SSID Broadcast and disable it.
3. Save changes and restart the router.

To connect to a hidden network, you’ll need to manually enter the SSID on each device.

Step 7: Limit the Number of Connected Devices

Restricting how many devices can connect prevents unauthorized users from getting access.

How to Set a Device Limit:

1. Open router settings and go to Wireless Settings > DHCP Settings.
2. Set a maximum number of allowed devices.
3. Save changes.

🔹 Once the limit is reached, new devices (including hackers) won’t be able to join.

Step 8: Keep Your Router Firmware Updated

Outdated firmware can have security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

How to Update Router Firmware:

1. Log in to your router settings.
2. Navigate to Advanced Settings > Firmware Update.
3. Download and install any available updates.

🔹 Regular updates keep your network security strong.

Step 9: Use a Firewall for Extra Protection

A firewall can block suspicious incoming connections from hackers.

How to Enable Router Firewall:

1. Open router settings and go to Security or Firewall Settings.
2. Enable the built-in firewall (if available).
3. Save changes and restart the router.

✅ This adds an extra layer of security against cyber threats.

Step 10: Monitor Your Network for Unauthorized Access

Regularly check for unknown devices in your router settings to prevent unauthorized users.

🔹 You can also use network monitoring tools like:

• Fing (Mobile App) – Scans your Wi-Fi for unknown devices.
• GlassWire (PC Software) – Tracks network activity and alerts you to new connections.

✅ If you notice unauthorized users, follow Steps 2-6 to block them.

Get Expert IT Support for Network Security

If you’re still experiencing unauthorized network access, unauthorized users, or Wi-Fi security issues, professional help is available. TechNow offers IT Support Services in Germany, specializing in Wi-Fi security, access control, and network protection. Contact us today for expert solutions!