Redirected to my router while browsing, should I be worried, what should I do?

M$ISBS · 05-03-2012, 08:16 PM

I was browsing the internet, (opera current) all of a sudden every link and website I tried came up with a message saying "redirecting to new page" and then my router information page popped up (the one that shows up when you login to your router) my router is password protected and I have not accessed it in a long time.
Does this mean I have been hacked in some way?
I checked the lastlog and it shows nobody ever logged in, even me.
What action should I take?

Thanks.

frankbell · 05-03-2012, 08:53 PM

It sounds more like something went screwy with your router or your connection. Hackers generally avoid doing things that you will notice (unless they are trying to torment you).

Can you still access the internet and what are the DNS settings in the router?

M$ISBS · 05-03-2012, 08:59 PM

Yea, I can still use the internet. Dont know the settings. Ill have to check.
Thanks.

M$ISBS · 05-03-2012, 10:05 PM

I just tried to login to the router and I cannot, my password does not work. I reset the router and the default password (blank) does not work either, I am a little concerned now.

Should I just ditch the router alltogether. I dont really need it anymore.

frankbell · 05-03-2012, 10:12 PM

It sounds as if your router might have somehow reset itself to default; that would explain forgetting your password. All I can say is that, at this point, I would likely see if I could reconfigure it and test my settings; if they did not hold, I would get another router.

They do wear out. I know; I had one expire on me.

M$ISBS · 05-03-2012, 10:14 PM

I reset it myself and the default password does not work, I cannot get into the setup screen, but the router is still working.
Thanks.

frankbell · 05-04-2012, 07:57 PM

When I reset mine using the reset button, it went back to default and I had to use the default password, which was something clever like "admin," to get in and configure it back up.

Check your router docs for the default password.

descendant_command · 05-04-2012, 08:05 PM

Some routers (Thompson I know of) capture all web access to their setup page for ease of setup when first installed.
Sounds like yours may have got flakey / reset itself.
I wouldn't have an untrused box as an interface between my LAN and the net, so if you can't get back in or reset it properly, then I would replace it.