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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: Rik on Feb 16, 2007, 16:52:16

Title: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 16, 2007, 16:52:16
The BBC site is carrying a story on a new way to hack. It should make sobering reading for all my neighbours who, not only don't secure their wireless connections, but who also leave the default passwords and SSIDs on their routers, making it easy to logon.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6367691.stm

Further coverage at El Reg:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/15/router_vuln/
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: RJM on Feb 16, 2007, 17:45:13
Thanks Rik, I have changed mine.

I could have given you the "password" earlier, if I had looked more thoroughly!
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 16, 2007, 17:47:41
I figured that. :)

And we thought we were safe behind a router <sigh>... :timeout:
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: mrapoc on Feb 16, 2007, 17:51:05
All my neighbours are n00bs but my wep-psk code should keep them at bay!
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 16, 2007, 17:56:08
Wep-psk? You sure about that...

I always make a point of changing SSID so the router isn't instantly identifiable, and, of course, the logon password. After that, it's WPA2-PSK and a nice long, strong, key.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Thar on Feb 20, 2007, 00:30:49
This generates long, strong, keys https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm ...I'm lazy  ;)
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 08:46:03
Mind you, it's hard work remembering them. :)

Useful site, thanks for the link.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 09:41:11
Quote from: rikbean on Feb 20, 2007, 08:46:03
Mind you, it's hard work remembering them. :)



I find it difficult in remembering a 4 digit PIN Code..  ;D
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 09:47:33
Quote from: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 09:41:11

I find it difficult in remembering a 4 digit PIN Code..  ;D
that's why I write mine on the card  :laugh:
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 09:48:44
Quote from: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 09:41:11

I find it difficult in remembering a 4 digit PIN Code..  ;D

I know what you mean, these days we have so many PINs, passwords and logins to remember that the whole thing is becoming unwieldy. Many people I know have changed their card PINs so that they are all on the same number, hardly ideal.

Eventually, the whole process is going to have to be re-thought, possibly by using these 'one-time' code dongles.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 10:23:58
Quote from: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 09:47:33
that's why I write mine on the card  :laugh:

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 10:29:45
Quote from: rikbean on Feb 20, 2007, 09:48:44
Many people I know have changed their card PINs so that they are all on the same number, hardly ideal.




I know Rik, sorely tempting, but highly unwise.

I put mine in to a dummy, but believable phone number in my mobile, again, not ideal, but practical.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 10:34:07
It's better than writing them on the cards, of course. :) I'm lucky, I have a brain that finds numbers easy to memorise (of course, I may not always remember what they relate to! ;) ). So, phone numbers, PINs, alarm access codes etc all go in and stay there - for now at least.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 11:06:17
Quote from: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 09:47:33
that's why I write mine on the card  :laugh:

Forgot to add that cos my eyesight's not so good, I do it in big numbers with a magic marker.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 11:08:28
You may consider having it tattooed on your forehead Nerv ;D
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Rik on Feb 20, 2007, 11:12:02
In mirror writing, presumably? :)
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 11:14:20
Quote from: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 11:08:28
You may consider having it tattooed on your forehead Nerv ;D

No need, it's on the front and back of my T Shirt as well just in case.
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 11:30:55
I am sitting here creased up with laughter at this thread..  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 11:34:19
Well I can't crease up with laughter or I wouldn't be able to see my PIN on my T shirt  :laugh: - or I couldn't if I didn't use my PIN 6 inches high as my screen saver
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Nerval on Feb 20, 2007, 13:06:23
My T shirt had to go in the wash, so while I'm waiting for it, in case I forget my PIN, I thought I ought to post it on here.
It's  1234
Nobody will ever guess that!!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: Inactive on Feb 20, 2007, 13:18:40
That's a coincidence Nerv, exactly the same as mine, of course I don't broadcast it to the world like you. ;D ;D

Still laughing at this thread..  ;)
Title: Re: Why you really should change the login on your router
Post by: stevelondon on Feb 21, 2007, 17:51:42
Ive just borrowed some of your bandwidth Nerv  ::) :out: