With so many people working from home and relying on WiFito enjoy their leisure time, having an internet connection has become a must-have for people across the UK.
However, this can be a costly monthly expense, making it all the more frustrating when a neighbour uses it without your permission.
While this is a rare occurrence because of the use of passwords, it still takes place across the country.
Can my neighbours legally use my WiFiwithoutpermission in the UK?
Using your neighbour's unsecured WiFiwithout their knowledge or consent is a criminal offence that can see offenders charged under theComputer Misuse Act 1990 or the Communications Act 2003.
The act of using someone's WiFiwithout telling them is called 'piggybacking'.
How to tell if someone is using my WiFi
According to The Sun, the biggest giveaway that someone else is using your WiFiwithout your permission is slow internet.
If you're home alone and unable to download a new game or stream a film for seemingly no reason, someone else could be on the network.
If you're suspicious, check your WiFirouter's status light, and turn off all yourdevicesconnected to the internet.
The light should not flickeror flashwhen no devices are connected.
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What should I do if my neighbour is using my WiFiwithout permission?
Most broadband providers like Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk and NowTV require users to access Hub Managers and Service checkers to make changes and see what devices are connected.
For more information on how to do this and to find out the codesneeded to access these hubs, visit your internet provider's website.
Once you know what devices are using your WiFi, you can begin removing ones that are not supposed to be there.
