Wireless hijackers
Although this article was written for the UK market - it applies to anyone, anywhere, we are all vulnerable to hijackers.
UK households at risk of broadband hijackers
Rob Barnes, Head of Broadband and Mobile Phones
Internet access at home is now mainstream with the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showing that more than two-thirds of British households are now online. An increasing number have wireless connections, but the majority of these are not secure, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud.
Recent research from moneysupermarket.com found that only 15% of those with wireless broadband have a protected router. With all major providers now providing a wireless router with their packages, wireless broadband is becoming increasingly popular leaving Brits open to ‘piggybacking’.
Piggybacking is where broadband users connect to someone else’s wireless router to gain access to the internet for free, with the potential to steal bank details, identity information or even downloading illegal content through the owner’s connection.
According to our research more than five million adults (11%) have used someone else’s wireless internet connection without permission in the past 12 months. The results also show people are doing little to protect themselves, with one in seven failing to put a password on their connection.
It’s not just security risks people face as 37% of broadband deals impose a download cap, which could mean additional charges if the limit is exceeded. Of those who admit to piggybacking nearly half say they check emails and do some browsing and an unrelenting 12% hijack someone else’s wireless connection everyday, downloading films and music regularly.
What are the consequences?
If you’re not careful, you could unwittingly find a huge bill landing on your doorstep for going over the download cap imposed by the broadband provider. More and more providers offer routers with broadband packages and the range of the signal is increasing. People need to be aware just how important protection is and the best way to do it.
People are learning to be safe online but those using wireless can undo all that by leaving their network unprotected. An unsecured internet connection is just the same as leaving your front door open.
So how can you beat the broadband pirates?
* Password protect your wireless internet connection with non-dictionary words and numbers
* Check that your router uses WPA rather than WEP encryption
* Know your download limit and what that translates to (i.e. 5 music albums)
* Make sure you have appropriate security software and firewall
* If you have children, consider using parental controls as well as password protection for the router.
You can never be too careful.
Zo Nicholas
