Security Corner - Have You Changed Your Passwords?
Category Security Corner
In a recent project aimed at uncovering insecure internet devices to promote awareness, researchers have found nearly 21,000 routers, webcams and VoIP systems left wide open to attack. These devices can be accessed from anywhere on the internet and those who own them have not even changed the manufacturer's default password. Any wrong-doers that find these devices can use them to host their attacks; they can even alter the firmware of VoIP systems to record conversations.
Almost half of the 2,729 accessible Linksys routers still had their default passwords in place, while almost a third of the Polycom VoIP units still had theirs. Even though the Internet Providers have been notified of such insecurities, the manufacturers of these internet devices should be making their products secure by default and consumers should be provided with instructions regarding how to change the passwords themselves upon initial setup. The team conducting this test will continue their research for another couple months, notifying ISPs to contact their customers about internet security and hoping for the best. A repeat of the whole process will be scheduled to determine if the number of insecure devices goes down after public notification by the ISPs.
If you own any consumer routers or similar devices, have you changed the passwords? Double-check to ensure a complex password is used; because you rarely need to access the device management, write the password down and keep it at home. The best thing you can do for yourself and your business in this situation is keep your network and the information within secure. If your company is in need of computer support in Glendale, give us a call at 818-541-9195 and we can get you on the right track.
In a recent project aimed at uncovering insecure internet devices to promote awareness, researchers have found nearly 21,000 routers, webcams and VoIP systems left wide open to attack. These devices can be accessed from anywhere on the internet and those who own them have not even changed the manufacturer's default password. Any wrong-doers that find these devices can use them to host their attacks; they can even alter the firmware of VoIP systems to record conversations.
Almost half of the 2,729 accessible Linksys routers still had their default passwords in place, while almost a third of the Polycom VoIP units still had theirs. Even though the Internet Providers have been notified of such insecurities, the manufacturers of these internet devices should be making their products secure by default and consumers should be provided with instructions regarding how to change the passwords themselves upon initial setup. The team conducting this test will continue their research for another couple months, notifying ISPs to contact their customers about internet security and hoping for the best. A repeat of the whole process will be scheduled to determine if the number of insecure devices goes down after public notification by the ISPs.
If you own any consumer routers or similar devices, have you changed the passwords? Double-check to ensure a complex password is used; because you rarely need to access the device management, write the password down and keep it at home. The best thing you can do for yourself and your business in this situation is keep your network and the information within secure. If your company is in need of computer support in Glendale, give us a call at 818-541-9195 and we can get you on the right track.
