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Espressif Device On My Network: Is This Dangerous?
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Published onOctober 14, 2024
published onOctober 14, 2024
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Did you notice an unknown Espressif device on your network?
First, check if it’s a family member or an employee on your home or business network. If you still can’t identify it, it’s time to protect yourself from hacking attempts.
I’ve listed below all the tried and tested methods to prevent a mysterious Espressif device from accessing Wi-Fi routers.
What Is an Espressif Device?
Espressif is the out-of-the-box name for mostSOCs,modules,devkits,and equipment Espressif Systems.It’s a China-based semiconductor manufacturing company. It fabricates essential electronics forIoT devices,AI/ML hardware,communication equipment, andAIoT devices.
Its chips and modules are abundant inChinese thermostats,door locks,AI security cameras,smart lights,robotic vacuum cleaners, andpet-care IoT products. So, if you’ve connected a new smart home device containing anIoT boardthat uses SOCs or other hardware from this manufacturer, it’s not alarming to see an unknown device.
What To Do When There Is a Espressif Device On Your Network?
Now, let me introduce you to the DIY troubleshooting ideas, protective measures, and their steps to protect your Wi-Fi internet network against intruders or mysterious robotic devices.
Check if a Legitimate Device Auto-Updated
Most likely, a previously known smart home device haschanged its default SSIDto Espressif, and the firmware updated automatically.
For instance, let’s say you have a smart light that’s been broadcasting the lwip0 SSID so far. But, one day you see a new device displaying the Espressif SSID. The earlier, lwip0 is still there. Is it possible that the Espressif device is the updated name of the smart light?
To test this, follow these steps:
This is completely okay! You can ignore the change and continue using the Espressif smart home device.
Remove/Block the Espressif Device From Your Network
If you can’t determine if any smart home appliance has auto-updated its firmware, it’s best to remove it from your router. Here are the steps to follow:
Disable SSID Broadcasting
If someone else knows your Wi-Fi network’s identification name (SSID) and password, they can connect again by changing the device name orMAC address. In that case, you can stop broadcasting your network SSID so they can’t locate it. Here’s how:
Create a New Wi-Fi Access Passphrase
Change the network password so the device can’t access your internet router anymore:
Now, the Espressif device won’t be able to automatically get into your Wi-Fi internet network unless someone adds it again by entering the updated password.
Change the Router’s Log-In Password
If you suspect that someone else has the password to the router’s admin page and they’re adding unknown devices, do the following:
Enable WPA2/WPA3 Encryption Protocols
Did you set the Wi-Fi router to No Security mode and have forgotten to re-engage the security system? It becomes easier for hackers and unknown robotic devices to target your network. Here’s how you can activate it again:
Enable MAC Address Filtering
If you don’t wish to make massive changes in yourWi-Fi networkand still want to keep unwanted Espressif devices away, do the following:
Disable WPS
Anyone with physical access to your Wi-Fi router can easily add a foreign device. They can do so by using the WPS button or default PIN at the back of the router, printed on a sticker.
However, if you make the following changes from the router console, WPS won’t work:
Update Router Firmware Regularly
Router manufacturers often release updated firmware to fix bugs that might allow unknown devices to slip in.
Before trying this method, ensure you’re connected to an uninterrupted power supply. If the power cuts off during the firmware upgrade, your router might get bricked.
Reduce Wi-Fi Signal Range
You can also throttle the signal strength of your Wi-Fi router to reduce the possibility of hackers trying to hack into your network from a distant location. Most modern routers come with this option. Here’s how you can achieve this on aTP-Link router:
Summary
So, now you know how to protect your home or business hotspot if you ever see an Espressif device on your network. Try these troubleshooting methods in the order they appear to fix the issue in the least possible time.
If this article helped you identify and prevent unknown smart devices from spying on you, leave a comment below.
You can also learn what to do with unidentifiedShenzhen devices.
More about the topics:Network,privacy,Wi-Fi
Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity, troubleshooting hardware and operating systems, gaming, and all things Windows.
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Selma Citakovic
Content Editor
Selma is a tech fan and editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity and all things Windows related.
