A few warning signs can suggest someone else is using your IP address or piggybacking on your network. Start by logging into your router's admin panel and checking the list of connected devices; unfamiliar device names or an unusually high device count are red flags. Watch for a noticeable slowdown in your internet speed, especially during times you are not using much bandwidth yourself, since extra devices on your connection compete for the same resources. Unexpected spikes in your data usage, shown either in your router settings or your ISP account, can also point to unauthorized use. If you notice these signs, change your Wi-Fi password immediately and enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. If problems continue, contact your ISP, since they can see activity tied to your account.

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