Old routers put surfers at hack risk
Millions of internet users could be at risk of hacking attacks due to using outdated routers from their broadband providers that have security flaws, an investigation has found.
Households across Britain are using their home broadband more than ever, to work, educate their children, or keep in touch with loved ones.
But many are unaware that old equipment provided by internet service providers (ISPs), including EE, Sky, Talk Talk, 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.
Consumer watchdog Which? investigated 13 old router models and found more than two-thirds had flaws that would likely see them fail to meet requirements proposed in upcoming government laws to tackle the security of connected devices. The legislation is not yet in force and so the ISPs aren’t currently breaking any laws or regulations.
Lab testing identified a range of issues with the routers. These security risks could potentially affect around 7.5 million people.
Around six million people within this group of users could be using a router that has not been updated since 2018 or earlier. This means the devices have not been receiving security updates which are crucial for defending them against cyber criminals.
The survey also suggested that 2.4 million UK users haven’t had a router upgrade in the last five years.
Which? said: “Internet service providers should be much clearer about how many customers are using outdated routers and encourage people to upgrade devices that pose security risks.”