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I have been concerned about my systems security since upgrading to window 8 last November on occations a phone has appeared in my network devices list well windows knows the phone it can get make model and mac code but after clicking on the phones propities it disappears. At first I thought it might have got in through my wireless router which is a virgin super hub made by netgear and after a little digging I changed the password and even the way devices connect wirelessly and made my hug a mac code only connection. This worked for a few weeks then hey presto another phone or tablet appeared on my network. I even paid a extra few quid to Mcafee and upgraded to access all areas to cover my tablet and my our phone the issue persisted . I was so annoyed at this time but I had noticed the my processor was a 64 bit capable processor so I took the plunge and brought another windows pro 8 pack as the system had to have a clean install. All has been fine for six weeks since I upgraded to a 64 bit machine and suddenly it has all started again I have had three different devices appearing in my network map and I have not got a clue if my system has been compromised. Or is it this think is a way for others to connect to the internet for free using my isp which is illegal.
Does anyone have any ideas where I turn to, to solve this problem ?
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
I had this issue ,i have searched a lot in the internet and no absolute solution for this, I have tried very simple way through the router by blocking the mac address of these devices and it works fine for me , you have to keep watching your network for few days and when you found any unknown device (most likely it is a phone with just MAC address and no IP address) block the the these MAC address in your router
hope it work with you
I had the same thing pop up on my windows 10 machine. M201 as telephony. I am narrowing it down to the fact that my Router has a build in system for a 4G SiM card, which is my back up internet if my line connection should fail. I think that's where the M201 device sits. I guess I am wondering if you have a Mobile SIM card in your router as a fail over connection as well.
That I do understand but with the router being set to deny all except those mas codes in my filter list and these items do not show as connected to my router when they are showing these issues have got to be internet based surely ?
Hi,
The problem with wireless routers is that other peoples machines will detect them if in range...
It's really not any different than going to a library or whatever with a WiFi hotspot.
It is entirely possible that your stuff is showing up on other networks as well...
That doesn't mean that they can actually connect....
There should be a way to specifically block the unknown devices, even though they may still be visible, they won't have access...
The security features you really need to investigate are most likely in your router, not your computer.
It is in fact possible that others are getting free internet through your router, but just because they show up, doesn't mean that they can actually access it.
In the past, there have been times when other networks appeared on my machine, but I was locked out from being able to access them...Of course, if the other access point doesn't have proper security, I have been able to connect through them..
I'm not an expert on this, but it is also possible that your wireless adapter in your computer is detecting the other devices simply because they are in range, but my experience is that it usually comes in through the router...
Hi Dave,
Thank you for asking!
Unknown device appear in the network map.
To work with the issue, I would suggest you to scan the computer to remove any possible malicious content.
Refer to the site:
Microsoft Safety Scanner
http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx
Note: Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.
Hope this helps. If you need any further assistance or if you face any Windows issues in future, let us know and we would be glad to help you.
