![]() However Which? notes that Virgin was counting just paying account holders, whereas Which?’s survey was of anyone using routers within a household. Virgin said that it did not recognise or accept the findings of the Which? research and that nine in 10 of its customers are using the latest Hub 3 or Hub 4 routers. BT Group told Which? that older routers still receive security patches if problems are found – although Which? did find an unfixed vulnerability on the EE (part of the BT Group) Brightbox 2 router.Īside from Virgin Media, none of the ISPs Which? contacted gave a clear indication of the number of customers using their old routers. When Which? contacted the ISPs with its findings, most of them said that they monitor for security threats and provide updates if needed. ![]() In contrast to the other ISPs, the old BT and Plusnet routers that Which? tested all passed the security tests – researchers didn’t find password issues, a lack of firmware updates or a local network vulnerability with these devices. Which? is concerned that many customers are being left using old kit, often with no guarantee of an upgrade, and is encouraging consumers in this position to talk to their broadband provider about getting an upgrade. The survey also suggested that 2.4 million users haven’t had a router upgrade in the last five years. This could give a hacker full control of the device, and for example allow them to add malware or spyware, although they would have to be on the network already to attack. Weak default passwords, which in certain circumstances could allow a cyber criminal to hack the router and access it from anywhere Ī lack of firmware updates, which are vital for both security and performance Ī local network vulnerability issue with the EE Brightbox 2. The problems uncovered by Which?’s lab tests on the old router models that failed were: This means the devices have not been receiving security updates which are crucial for defending them against cyber criminals. These security risks could potentially affect around 7.5 million people, based on the number of respondents who said they were using these router models in Which?’s nationally representative survey.Īround six million people within this group of users could be using a router that has not been updated since 2018 or earlier. ![]() The consumer champion’s lab testing identified a range of issues with the routers. ![]() The legislation is not yet in force and so the ISPs aren’t currently breaking any laws or regulations. Which? investigated 13 old router models and found more than two-thirds, nine of them, had flaws that would likely see them fail to meet requirements proposed in upcoming government laws to tackle the security of connected devices. Households across the country are using their home broadband more than ever, to work, educate their children or keep in touch with loved ones.īut many are unaware that old equipment provided by internet service providers (ISPs), including EE, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Vodafone, could be putting them at risk of hackers spying on what they are browsing online or even directing them to malicious websites used by scammers. Millions of internet users could be at risk of hacking attacks due to using outdated routers from their broadband providers that have security flaws, a Which? investigation has found. Millions with old routers at risk of being hacked in their homes, Which? warns ![]()
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