Pop up saying connected to new network when I did not

[sunsets44]

After restarting my laptop, Windows 10, I got a popup saying I am connected to a new network and to scan network. I did not connect to a new network. It is the same WiFi one I always use. Using Avast Free 20.4.2410 (build 20.4.5312.583)

[Asyn]

Update to the latest version (20.10.2442): https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=243196.0

[sunsets44]

I've updated. Wi-Fi Inspector says I'm on a public network when it should say private.

[Asyn]

Reboot twice.

[sunsets44]

Done. Now, it says New Device Notification. How do I know that it's detecting I'm on a private network?

What causes the new network detection popup when I did not connect to one? I've been using Avast for many years and never have had this problem before when using an older version. I bank, pay bills, and shop online. So, it's a concern to me.

[Asyn]

You can adjust/disable it in the settings.

[sunsets44]

Thank you.  Still would like to know what causes the new network detection popup when I did not connect to one.

[DavidR]

Thank you.  Still would like to know what causes the new network detection popup when I did not connect to one.

Without more details, it would be very hard to say. 

It doesn't necessarily mean 'you' are making a new network connection, but an outside source making that connection.

[sunsets44]

It doesn't necessarily mean 'you' are making a new network connection, but an outside source making that connection.

It's the possibility of an outside source making that connection that concerns me.  Every night I run CCleaner, Avast, and Malwarebytes. Some times after running them, I can not connect to the internet and have to restart my laptop. That's what happened when the pop up appeared. It never happened before.

[DavidR]

It doesn't necessarily mean 'you' are making a new network connection, but an outside source making that connection.

It's the possibility of an outside source making that connection that concerns me.  Every night I run CCleaner, Avast, and Malwarebytes. Some times after running them, I can not connect to the internet and have to restart my laptop. That's what happened when the pop up appeared. It never happened before.

Well that is the point of having the the WiFi Inspector function.

That said, if you have your network buttoned up, set up as Private and with strong WPA2 security and access requiring a password to access the network from outside your personal private network.  Then you are much less vulnerable, but you are getting a warning of someone 'trying' to gain access.

It is going to mean checking the logs to get an idea of where the attempt came from and by whom/what (possibly).

[sunsets44]

Yes, my network is Private and strong WPA2. 

I have no idea how to check logs or what to look for.

[sunsets44]

I figured out how to check the logs. However, I have no idea what to look for.

[DavidR]

I figured out how to check the logs. However, I have no idea what to look for.

Are you clicking the Show Last Result as that showed me what had actually 'connected' (or somewhere else) ?

So if you don't see anything outside of things like your PC, Mobile or Tablet (things that you use normally), then there may have been an attempt but not connected.

[sunsets44]

I must be viewing the log a different way than you are. I used Event Viewer, so it only shows my laptop.

[DavidR]

Are you actually connecting any other devices to your network (as I mentioned PC, Mobile or Tablet). Look at at the image that I attached in Reply #9, that is directly from the Avast UI > Menu > Protection > WiFi inspector - and click the show last report button.

Have you actually run a specific WiFi Inspector scan ?

I wouldn't begin to know where to look in the Event Viewer, if it would even place entries for any WiFi Inspector notifications/alerts.