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Avast Network Inspector alert: DNS hijack found

This article explains how to resolve the issue if Network Inspector in Avast Antivirus shows the following alert:

  • DNS hijack found

Description

If you see the alert above after running a Network Inspector scan:

We have found that a hacker has gained access to your router and modified your DNS settings, making you a victim of DNS hijacking. DNS hijacking is a type of malicious attack that attempts to redirect you from the website you want to visit to a fake one that may look just like it. Hackers utilize fake websites to steal your sensitive personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

If posssible, we strongly recommend ensuring that the Real Site feature in Avast Antivirus is enabled. This is because Real Site prevents you from being redirected to fake websites, even when your DNS settings have been hijacked. However, Real Site only protects the device where Avast Antivirus is installed. For this reason, it is also essential to secure the other devices on your network by resetting the DNS settings on your router.

Solution

Before following the steps below, we recommend that you first resolve any other router problems detected by Avast. Otherwise, this solution may not work.

Select your router brand for detailed instructions on how to reset your DNS settings:

ASUS

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by ASUS, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact ASUS directly.

To configure an ASUS wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your ASUS router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Follow the step below that matches your router settings:

Go to Advanced Settings ▸ WAN ▸ Internet Connection.

OR

Go to IP Config ▸ WAN & LAN.

OR

Go to Advanced Setup ▸ WAN. Then, select your WAN Connection profile. If you see more than one connection profile in the list, follow step 4 below for each profile.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected next to WAN Connection Type:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Fill in the DNS Server 1 and DNS Server 2 fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • DNS Server 1: 8.8.8.8
  • DNS Server 2: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If Automatic IP / Dynamic IP is not already selected next to WAN Connection Type, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Automatic IP / Dynamic IP is selected:

Set Connect to DNS Server automatically to Yes under WAN DNS Setting. If this option is already enabled, follow the additional steps below:

  1. Set Connect to DNS Server automatically to No under WAN DNS Setting.
  2. Fill in the DNS Server 1 and DNS Server 2 fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:
    • DNS Server 1: 8.8.8.8
    • DNS Server 2: 8.8.4.4
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Apply or Save, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If WAN Connection Type is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If WAN Connection Type is set to Automatic IP / Dynamic IP:


Belkin

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Belkin, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Belkin directly.

To configure a Belkin wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Belkin router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Go to Configuration ▸ Connectivity ▸ WAN Setup.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected under WAN Setup:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Fill in the DNS fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
  • DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
  • DNS 3 (if available): 0.0.0.0
NOTE: If Automatic Configuration - DHCP is not already selected under WAN Setup, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Automatic Configuration - DHCP is selected:

  1. Ensure that Automatic Configuration - DHCP is selected.
  2. Go to Connectivity ▸ Local Network, and ensure that all Static DNS fields are blank or set to 0.0.0.0.
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Save, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If WAN Setup is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If WAN Setup is set to Automatic Configuration - DHCP:


Cisco

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Cisco, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Cisco directly.

To configure a Cisco wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Cisco router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Go to WAN ▸ WAN Settings.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected for Connection Type:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Fill in the Static DNS 1 and Static DNS 2 fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • Static DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
  • Static DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If DHCP is not already selected under Connection Type, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If DHCP is selected:

Select Use DHCP Provided DNS Server under DHCP Settings. If this option is already enabled, follow the additional steps below:

  1. Select Use DNS as Below under DHCP Settings.
  2. Fill in the Static DNS 1 and Static DNS 2 fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:
    • Static DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
    • Static DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Apply, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If Connection Type is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If Connection Type is set to DHCP:


Due to the wide range of different router types offered by D-Link, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact D-Link directly.

To configure a D-Link wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your D-Link router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Follow the step below that matches your router settings:

Go to Settings ▸ Internet.

OR

Go to Setup ▸ Internet.

OR

Go to Setup ▸ Internet Connection.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected next to My Internet Connection is:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Fill in the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • Primary DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If Dynamic IP (DHCP) is not already selected next to My Internet Connection is, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Dynamic IP (DHCP) is selected:

  1. Ensure that Dynamic IP (DHCP) is selected.
  2. Ensure that the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields are blank or set to 0.0.0.0.
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Save or Save settings, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If My Internet Connection is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If My Internet Connection is set to Dynamic IP (DHCP):


Huawei

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Huawei, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Huawei directly.

To configure a Huawei wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Huawei router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Follow the step below that matches your router settings:

Select Basic and go to either WAN Setting or WAN. Then, select your PVC or WAN Connection profile. If you see more than one connection profile in the list, follow step 4 below for each profile.

OR

Go to Basic ▸ DHCP.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected in the IP Address section:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Go to Basic ▸ DHCP, and fill in the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • Primary DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If Obtain an IP Address Automatically is not already selected in the IP Address section, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Obtain an IP Address Automatically is selected:

  1. Ensure that Obtain an IP Address Automatically is selected.
  2. Ensure that the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields are blank or set to 0.0.0.0.
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Submit, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If IP Address is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If IP Address is set to Obtain an IP Address Automatically:


Linksys

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by Linksys, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact Linksys directly.

To configure a Linksys wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your Linksys router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Follow the step below that matches your router settings:

Go to Connectivity ▸ Internet Settings ▸ IPv4 ▸ Type of Internet Connection ▸ Edit.

OR

Go to Setup ▸ Basic Setup ▸ Internet Setup.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected next to Connection Type:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Fill in the DNS 1, DNS 2, and DNS 3 fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8
  • DNS 2: 8.8.4.4
  • DNS 3: 0.0.0.0
NOTE: If Automatic Configuration - DHCP is not already selected next to Connection Type, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Automatic Configuration - DHCP is selected:

  1. Ensure that Automatic Configuration - DHCP is selected.
  2. Go to Connectivity ▸ Local Network, and ensure that all Static DNS fields are blank or set to 0.0.0.0.
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Apply or Save settings, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If Connection Type is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If Connection Type is set to Automatic Configuration - DHCP:


NETGEAR

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by NETGEAR, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact NETGEAR directly.

To configure a NETGEAR wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your NETGEAR router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Follow the step below that matches your router settings:

Go to Basic ▸ Internet.

OR

Go to Advanced ▸ Setup ▸ Internet Setup.

OR

Go to Setup ▸ Basic Settings.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected under Internet IP Address:

If Use Static IP Address (or any other available option) is selected:

Under Domain Name Server (DNS) Address, fill in the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If Get Dynamically from ISP is not already selected under Internet IP Address, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Get Dynamically from ISP is selected:

Under Domain Name Server (DNS) Address, select Get Automatically from ISP. If this option is already enabled, follow the additional steps below:

  1. Select Use These DNS Servers under Domain Name Server (DNS) Address.
  2. Fill in the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Apply, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If Internet IP Address is set to Use Static IP Address (or any other available option):


If Internet IP Address is set to Get Dynamically from ISP:


Due to the wide range of different router types offered by TP-Link, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact TP-Link directly.

To configure a TP-Link wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your TP-Link router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Go to Advanced ▸ Network ▸ Internet.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected next to Internet Connection Type:

If Static IP (or any other available option) is selected:

Fill in the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If Dynamic IP is not already selected next to Internet Connection Type, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If Dynamic IP is selected:

Select the Advanced Settings panel, and select Get Dynamically from ISP next to DNS Address. If this option is already enabled, follow the additional steps below:

  1. Select Use the Following DNS Addresses next to DNS Address.
  2. Fill in the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Save, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If Internet Connection Type is set to Static IP (or any other available option):


If Internet Connection Type is set to Dynamic IP:


TRENDnet

Due to the wide range of different router types offered by TRENDnet, we can only provide general instructions for frequently used models. For detailed instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact TRENDnet directly.

To configure a TRENDnet wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your TRENDnet router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Go to Advanced ▸ Setup ▸ WAN Settings.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected under WAN Connection Type:

If STATIC (or any other available option) is selected:

Under DNS Server Setting, fill in the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
NOTE: If DHCP is not already selected under WAN Connection Type, we do not recommend selecting it without first contacting your ISP to ensure that they support automatic configuration. Otherwise, you may lose your internet connection.

If DHCP is selected:

  1. Ensure that DHCP is selected.
  2. Go to DNS Server Setting, and ensure that the Primary DNS Server and Secondary DNS Server fields are blank or set to 0.0.0.0.
5.

Confirm your changes by selecting Save, and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

If WAN Connection Type is set to STATIC (or any other available option):


If WAN Connection Type is set to DHCP:


Other routers

Due to the wide range of different router types, we can only provide brand-specific instructions for frequently used routers and general instructions for all other routers. For exact instructions, consult the documentation for your specific router model. For further assistance, contact the manufacturer of your router directly.

Below are links to the support pages for other router brands:

Apple | AT&T | Dell | DrayTek | Eero | GL.iNET | Google | MicroTik | Motorola | NEC | Sagem/Sagemcom | Speedefy | Ubiquiti | UniFi | Vodafone | ZyXEL

To configure a wireless router:

1.

From the Network Inspector results screen, select Go to your router settings to open the administration page of your router.

2.

Enter your router username and password. If you do not know your login credentials, contact the party who provided the router. This is normally your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3.

Find the Internet settings section (may also be listed as WAN, Connection, Broadband, Basic settings/setup, or similar).

OR

Find the separate DNS configuration section.

4.

Follow the relevant instructions below according to the option that is selected next to Connection type (or WAN connection type):

Static IP (or any other available option)

Fill in the DNS Server fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:

  • DNS Server 1, Primary DNS, or similar: 8.8.8.8
  • DNS Server 2, Secondary DNS, or similar: 8.8.4.4
  • DNS Server 3 (if available): 0.0.0.0

Automatic Configuration (may also be called DHCP, Dynamic IP, or similar)

If available, enable the additional option to set your DNS configuration to automatic. If this setting is available, it may be listed as Get dynamically / automatically from ISP, Connect to DNS server automatically, or similar. If this option is available but it is already enabled, follow the additional steps below:

  1. Disable the option to set your DNS configuration to automatic. You may need to select Use the following DNS addresses, Use these DNS servers, or similar.
  2. Fill in the DNS Server fields with the IP addresses of reliable DNS servers, such as Google Public DNS, as shown below:
    • DNS Server 1, Primary DNS, or similar: 8.8.8.8
    • DNS Server 2, Secondary DNS, or similar: 8.8.4.4
    • DNS Server 3 (if available): 0.0.0.0

If you do not see the option to set your DNS configuration to automatic, ensure that the DNS Server fields are blank or set to 0.0.0.0.

5.

Confirm your changes (select Save settings, Update, OK, or similar), and reboot your router if necessary.

If Network Inspector continues to show the DNS hijack found alert after following all of the instructions above, we recommend contacting your ISP, as the DNS servers provided by your ISP may have been hijacked.

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  • Apple macOS 12.x (Monterey)
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Updated on: 02/06/2022

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