Wi-Fi jamming may sound like a foreign concept, something you’ve only seen in your favorite crime and thriller movies. However, it is more common than you think — everyone with a Wi-Fi connection is at risk. Therefore, it is essential to take necessary precautions to prevent Wi-Fi jamming.
Here are a few steps you can take to prevent Wi-Fi jamming:
- Set strong passwords and security protocols
- Use a Wi-Fi signal blocker to prevent unauthorized access
- Install Wi-Fi jamming detectors
- Conduct frequent reboots to reset your connection
The rest of this article will elaborate more on the steps to prevent Wi-Fi jamming and give insights on how to detect Wi-Fi jamming. Let’s get into it.
1. Set a Strong Password and Security Protocol
Wi-Fi passwords and security protocols play an essential part in protecting your network. They prevent people from connecting to your Wi-Fi without being granted access. Therefore, these security measures can prevent hackers from infiltrating your network with malicious intent.
However, for passwords to be effective in blocking Wi-Fi signals, they must be strong and difficult to guess. Networks with weak passwords are often prone to infiltration because they are easily cracked.
For example, many people often use their partners’ names, date of birth, favorite color, or nickname as their Wi-Fi password. Using such passwords predisposes you to Wi-Fi jamming, especially from family members and friends. Therefore, you should use complex passwords that are difficult to be hacked.
Consider using a mixture of symbols and characters in your password to make cracking difficult. Combining different characters makes your password complex, reducing the chances of Wi-Fi jamming.
Security protocols like WPA and WPA-PSK can also come in handy in preventing Wi-Fi jamming. The protocols create a secure connection between your devices and router, thus preventing signals from being hijacked if someone tries to jam your Wi-Fi.
2. Use a Wi-Fi Signal Blocker to Prevent Unauthorized Access
Wi-Fi signal blockers are effective in preventing unauthorized infiltration of your Wi-Fi network. They physically prevent people from accessing your Wi-Fi, thus keeping possible jammers away from your network. They allow you to enjoy a solid and uninterrupted connection.
You can use several Wi-Fi signal blockers to prevent jammers from accessing your network. The blockers have different specs, so it’s important that you pick one that suits your unique needs.
Some Wi-Fi signal blockers are handheld devices that restrict all network signals in specific places. Others are antennas set up in areas where you want to block Wi-Fi signals. The antenna signal blockers work by emitting powerful signals that subdue all other Wi-Fi signals in the vicinity, thus making it difficult for unauthorized persons to connect to your network.
Despite the differences, all Wi-Fi signal blockers operate on the same principle; they work in specific ranges. You must place them tactically around the area you seek to prevent jamming.
Therefore, you need to place the blockers in the regions that are likely to be infiltrated by jammers. In some instances, you may have to use more than one blocker if you seek to protect a large area and network from jamming.
3. Install Wi-Fi Jamming Detectors
A jamming detector is one of the best ways to prevent your Wi-Fi from infiltration. This step involves installing software that uncovers jamming attempts.
Jamming detecting software constantly monitors your Wi-Fi for any signs of infiltration. If it detects any attacks on the network, the software will automatically block the threat and shut down the connection. Therefore, your network will remain safe from any potential threats.
4. Conduct Frequent Reboots to Reset Your Connection
You can easily avoid Wi-Fi jamming by conducting regular reboots. Reboots clear your router’s memory and refresh all connections.
Internet providers usually give users a public IP address that jammers can access and use to cause connection problems. While these addresses typically change every two weeks, frequent reboots can make it more difficult for them to jam your Wi-Fi.
How to Know if Your Wi-Fi Is Being Jammed
Before you take any steps to fix Wi-Fi jamming, it’s essential that you are able to determine whether you are even facing a jamming problem to start with. Various signs indicate that your Wi-Fi is infiltrated. These signs generally adversely affect your experience when browsing the internet.
Slow Internet Speeds and Unfamiliar Devices Indicate Jamming
One of the common signs that your Wi-Fi is being jammed is slow internet speeds. Wi-Fi jammers may use up all bandwidth in operating and distributing malware.
Similarly, you may notice a horde of unfamiliar devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Hackers may also manipulate your devices, install strange software, or kick you out of your router connection.
Consider Using a Spectrum Analyzer to Identify Jamming
Nonetheless, it would help if you used a spectrum analyzer to ascertain whether your Wi-Fi is being jammed. These devices measure interference and alert you when your Wi-Fi is being jammed.
Different spectrum analyzers have various features that determine their efficacy. However, when installing one, ensure it can detect jammers over a suitable range or area and alert you of any possible infiltrations.
How to Fix a Jammed Wi-Fi Connection
If you are a victim of a jammed Wi-Fi connection, you may wonder what steps to take to restore your internet connections. Don’t worry—restoring and securing your network is as easy as following a few simple steps. Below are some precautions you should take when your Wi-Fi is jammed.
1. Disconnect and Reset the Router
The first step to take when your Wi-Fi is jammed is to disconnect from the network. If you are using an ethernet cable, pull it out to cut off the connection. If you have a wireless connection, switch off your device’s Wi-Fi. Disconnecting from the Wi-Fi negates the chances of malicious people manipulating your devices.
After disconnecting from the network, you should reset your Wi-Fi immediately. In some instances, a simple power reset may restore your connection and put an end to the jamming. This simple fix erases any malicious code and resets your public IP address.
Follow these steps to conduct a power reset:
- Switch off your router at the socket.
- Pull the plug from the power source.
- Wait thirty seconds.
- Reconnect the plug and turn the router back on.
Sometimes, the infection and jamming may persist after a power reset. You may need to rest the router’s factory settings in such instances. Here is how to reset your router’s factory settings:
- Find the router’s reset button, usually located at its surface or mounted at the back.
- Press and hold the button using a paper clip or suitable appliance for about ten seconds for a successful reboot.
Now that your router is reset, you can move on to the next step.
2. Change the Password
Weak passwords could be one of the reasons your Wi-Fi is easily jammed. Therefore, you should change your Wi-Fi password to enhance security after resetting your router.
Log into your network’s account using the default credentials since your router is reset to its original form. Once you’re logged in, you will be able to set a new solid password by creating a passphrase filled with symbols, characters, and numbers. Ensure your password is a memorable phrase that cannot be easily hacked or guessed by potential jammers.
3. Update the Software
The last step to restoring your network after Wi-Fi jamming involves updating the software. Most routers update automatically; however, check your settings to ensure your router is set to do so.
If your router does not have the option to update automatically, you can check for updates and install them manually. Having the latest software means your router stands a better chance of overcoming Wi-Fi jamming.
Conclusion
You are probably at risk of Wi-Fi jamming if you have an internet connection. It is common for people with ill intentions to intercept your internet connection and cause issues with your devices and connections.
It is essential to take necessary precautions to prevent Wi-Fi jamming and protect yourself from its adverse effects. Similarly, you should know how to tell your Wi-Fi is jammed and how to fix the issues.
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