A Word Of Warning...
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Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 6:37 AM
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Quote from: ClashcityRocker
- Since last Saturday 80GB has been downloaded (50GB of that chargable).
Meaning she had an account with a 30GB usage allowance although she didn't use as much as 10Gb per month? Wouldn't an account with a 10GB usage allowance be more suitable (i.e. less expensive)?
Quote from: ClashcityRocker We changed it to a 10GB/Month last year, and the limit must have been taken away at that time.
Oh no, I see not and you have anticipated my suggestion. So how come you managed a 'free' 30GB?
Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 7:30 AM
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Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 8:04 AM
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Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 8:22 AM
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Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 10:20 AM
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Generally passwords are randomly generated and programmed at the factory, when the unit is burned with Plusnet's custom firmware and settings.
Presumably you know what the original (cracked) password was - is it a random string of letters and numbers, or is it a word that would be in a dictionary? If the latter, then it could be cracked in a pretty short time (hours or even minutes), using a dictionary attack on the password hash which can be captured over the wifi radio when your Mother connects. If it's a random string and it's longer than 8 characters then it's very unlikely to have been cracked.
Does the router have WPS and a button to activate it? If so, it's possible the button was pressed accidentally. That would allow someone to connect if they were lucky enough to be listening when WPS was activated. I'd recommend disabling WPS if the router has it. It's not secure.
In terms of the new password, make sure it's not a word that would be in a dictionary (or several words). A random string of lower and upper case letters (with one or maximum two numerals) would be secure. The longer the better, but I'd advise at least 12 characters. Also, if the router and computers support WPA2, use that over WPA.
I hope your Mother is secure now, and not too put off by the experience!
Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 10:56 AM
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The password was a seemingly random selection of characters (I don't know if they are truly random mind you) that the router came with.
There hasn't been any excessive account activity since it was changed. She is phoning Plusnet this afternoon to speak to billing, I have reminded her that a £0 limit WAS applied to the account before she changed package, and Plusnet removed it when the package was changed, which is rather underhanded and would have prevented all these excessive charges.
Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 12:16 PM
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Very unlikely the router's original wifi password was cracked. The random password is printed on the bottom of the router and on the card that comes with it. If there really was a wifi intruder, then it's most likely either:
- The intruder has had physical access and seen the password;
- The intruder used vulnerabilities in WPS. There are two well known vulnerabilities which simply require the intruder to be in radio range when someone uses WPS to connect a device to the router. The first is documented here, the second in the transcript of a Security Now episode here (explanation starts on page 16). The TG582n router is susceptible to both vulnerabilities, apparently.
As a precaution, it's generally advised to disable WPS. There are instructions on how to do this for the TG582n on Telecom NZ's web site - should work for the Plusnet version too.
Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 1:16 PM
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Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 2:54 PM
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Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 6:42 PM
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She is now locked into Plusnet for another 24 months as a result.
I have urged her to write a complaint, as it's not really on, not that it's going to do much good, as having already agreed to the phone package and is now locked into Plusnet, there is absolutely no bargaining chips left.
No particularly happy, and I will be MUCH more cautious about referring to close friends and family now, as I have seen the more evil corporate BT side of Plusnet in action.
Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 8:22 PM
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Given that your Mother doesn't need unlimited and had phoned to complain about a charge on her bill, I'd describe that as mis-selling. Outrageous
Re: A Word Of Warning...
04-03-2013 8:24 PM
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James has sorted this out in a satisfactory and efficient manner. Many thanks.
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