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Candleslicer456 wrote:

My extender is a 

NETGEAR WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender (EAX15). 

 

Lol, sorry, I had to copy it from somewhere, hence why the text is large. I hardly know anything about network connections, but I'm concerned that either my neighbors or my family are hacking into my wifi extender  somehow. Actually I wouldn't be surprised if it indeed was my family. I have a sister who knows how to code and a sister who is avid in all things tech. She even built her own computer. My family is the kind that spies on everything I do. Even in real life.  choiceadvantage

 

How would I know whether or not my extender has been hacked into? I ask because lately, it's been acting up. The connection will go down and there will be an excalamation mark next to those curved wifi bar things. The last and first extender I had would experience the exact problem and ever since I first had it. The exclamation mark would show up and whenever I searched any website or term on google, it would say that the connection was not private. I didn't even have to click a website, I would just search like a word or something and it would pop up.

 

This extender only just started experiencing this problem 3 weeks ago. It never used to have this issue. I unplug it when that happens, plug it back in and it works good. Or sometimes it will do it again. Am I being hacked? What is happening? 

 

I'm sure my sister was able to read some reddit posts I had made regarding my family and personal issues. I have no idea how she found them! Not only that, I have medical records and things I want to protect. 

 

The last extender I had was crap and I had to keep resetting it for this very reason. It never fixed the issue, which Is why I got the new one.

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Hello,

I understand your concern, and it’s essential to ensure the security of your WiFi extender. Let’s troubleshoot the issue and address your worries:

Check for Unauthorized Access:
First, change the default login credentials for your extender. Use a strong password that only you know.
Make sure your WiFi network password is also secure. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords.
If you suspect unauthorized access, consider changing your WiFi password as well.
Update Firmware:
Ensure your extender’s firmware is up-to-date. Manufacturers release updates to fix security vulnerabilities.
Visit the NETGEAR support page for your EAX15 extender and download any available firmware updates.
Monitor Connected Devices:
Access your extender’s settings 
Check the list of connected devices. If you see any unfamiliar devices, investigate further.
Remove any unknown devices from your network.
Network Encryption:
Use WPA3 encryption if supported by your extender and devices. It’s more secure than WPA2.
Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if it’s enabled. WPS can be vulnerable to attacks.
Signal Interference:
Ensure your extender is placed away from other electronic devices (microwaves, cordless phones, etc.).
Interference can cause connectivity issues.
Privacy Warning:
The exclamation mark next to the WiFi bars may indicate an insecure connection.
It’s essential to avoid accessing sensitive information over an unsecured connection.
Always use HTTPS (secure) websites for privacy-sensitive tasks.
Medical Records and Privacy:
Keep your medical records and personal information secure.
If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using a separate network for sensitive data (if possible).
Remember, intermittent connectivity issues can have various causes, including signal interference, router problems, or even ISP issues.

Best regards,
florence023