Most UK ISPreview Readers are Mindful of Broadband Router Security

The latest ISPreview.co.uk poll of 1,384 website readers has found that the vast majority of respondents do know how to use their broadband router’s admin interface (92.5%), although 25.9% have never changed the default Wi-Fi password and 23.9% haven’t changed their router’s admin password.

Last year saw a number of high profile attacks against broadband ISP routers, some of which (e.g. the Mirai Worm) were able to hijack them to steal personal data (e.g. WiFi passwords) or launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. A small number of KCOM, TalkTalk and Post Office customers, among others, were hit by related problems.

The good news is that most of our readers appear to be on top of their router security.

Has your home broadband ISP router ever been hacked?
No – 79.6%
Unsure – 16.9%
Yes – 3.4%

Do you know how to use your router’s web-based admin interface?
Yes – 92.5%
No – 7.5%

Have you changed the default password for accessing your router admin?
Yes – 76%
No – 23.9%

Have you changed the default WiFi password for your router?
Yes – 74%
No – 25.9%

Who is allowed to access / use your home WiFi?
Family + Friends – 44.5%
Family – 38.2%
Only me! – 13.8%
It’s open to all! – 2%
Family + Friends + Neighbours – 1.3%

Happily only a tiny portion have suffered a router hack, although a fair few did admit to being unsure about whether or not their kit had ever been compromised. The latter is a concern because sometimes a hacker will wish to avoid revealing that they’ve compromised your device so as to snoop on or abuse your Internet connection for as long as possible. The damage might not be obvious unless you know what to look for (e.g. changed DNS servers).

Meanwhile this month’s new survey asks whether or not you’re happy with how UK ISPs advertise broadband speeds today? Vote Here.

NOTE: ISPreview.co.uk surveys are likely to receive a higher proportion of tech-savvy respondents than most, although the majority of our visitors are normal consumers (i.e. they come to this site for help and assistance with basic broadband problems / questions or when hunting for a new ISP).