A sinking stomach. A racing mind. Panic about what to do next. Fearing that your internet service, router or IP address has been hacked feels awful, and Tipmont has seen increased calls from members concerned that this has happened to them.
It’s an alarming experience. But the issue is likely not with the internet connection itself.
Understanding how online compromises really happen is a first step to protecting yourself.
THE MOST COMMON CAUSE: ACCOUNT AND DEVICE COMPROMISE
Think of your internet connection like a road leading to your home. Your router is the front door, kept closed and secure.
Your accounts and devices are what’s inside your home.
Someone breaking through the door is typically not the issue. It’s often unintentional access — a reused password, deceptive login page or remote access granted to the wrong person.
Here’s how that can happen:
- A password was reused and exposed in a data breach.
- A phishing email / text deceived someone into entering login information.
- A malicious link / attachment was opened.
- Software / apps were downloaded from an untrustworthy source.
These incidents affect individual accounts or devices, not internet connections. Compromised login credentials are usually the reason — not a “hack” of the network.
WHY YOUR ROUTER AND IP ADDRESS ARE USUALLY NOT THE ISSUE
Your home network is designed with built-in protection.
- Your IP address is not a vulnerability: Any internet-connected device has an IP address. An IP address is not a key. Simply knowing it doesn’t allow anyone to access your devices.
- Your router actively protects your home network: Modern routers use firewalls and Network Address Translation to block unsolicited outside connections to your home network.
BE CAUTIOUS OF REMOTE ACCESS REQUESTS
A common, dangerous scam we see is a request for remote access to your computer.
When remote access is granted, the person on the other end can:
- See everything on your screen
- Access files and saved passwords
- Install malicious software
- Potentially gain access to your financial / personal information
WHAT CAN A REMOTE ACCESS REQUEST LOOK LIKE?
- A phone call claiming to be from “tech support,” your internet provider or a well-known company
- A pop-up window saying your device is infected and to call a number
- A prompt / email to download software that can “fix” an issue
Tipmont will never call and ask for remote access to any device without your request.
Never grant remote access unless you initiated the request and fully trust the source.
If you receive such an unexpected request, the safest action is to decline, close or delete.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE A DEVICE IS COMPROMISED
If a phone, computer or tablet is compromised, take quick and deliberate action.
1. Disconnect the device from the internet
Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the device from your network to stop any ongoing unauthorized activity.
2. Immediately change passwords
Using a different, trusted device, you should:
- Change passwords for email, banking and other important accounts
- Use strong, new, unique passwords for each account. Don’t reuse them.
3. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
If not enabled, activate MFA for critical accounts. This enables alternate ways to prove your identity that only you possess.
4. Run security scans or reset the device
Use built-in security tools or antivirus software. If issues persist, consider a full factory reset to ensure a clean device.
5. Check for unfamiliar activity
Be sure to review:
- Recent logins on email / social media accounts
- Banking or financial transactions
- Account recovery settings (e.g., backup emails / phone numbers)
6. Remove unknown devices or sessions
Many platforms allow you to log out of all sessions or remove devices you don’t recognize.
7. Contact support if needed
If sensitive accounts like banking or email may be affected, contact your banking or email provider directly for additional protection.
SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Don’t use the same password across multiple sites. Consider a password manager to keep track of them.
2. Enable MFA
Whenever you can, use MFA for email, banking and social media accounts. It’s an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised.
3. Use caution with emails / messages
Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown or unexpected sources. Be wary of urgent requests for you to log in.
4. Keep devices updated
Regularly install updates for your phone, computer, tablet and apps, which often include important security upgrades.
5. Only install trusted software
Download apps and programs only from official or well-known sources. Avoid installing unknown software from links or pop-ups.
