router security change

[edwardgregory]

Dear All,

 

My Windows Vista would not load up, not even from restore points. I was thus forced to carry out a destructive reinstall. After doing so, I then tried to reset the Orange wireless internet connection, but the process would not accept my router 10-character security code. Eventually, I used the services of a computer engineer who reset the router, via a complex procedure, and re-installed the original security code. He told me someone had hacked into my system and changed the code setting. My questions are. Is this possible? Why would a person do this? Is there any method by which I could periodically check the code setting? How can I reset the code setting, if I find it has been changed?

 

My computer had been working normally, and to unexpectedly have to do a destructive reinstall is traumatic enough. But it is worrying to realise that the router security code setting had been changed, which only became apparent as a result of the destructive reinstall.

[RandyL]

I can't say if it is possible or not as I am not the expert on security.

 

If you were attacked or infected it might be a case of poor security software. One should always have a good updated antivirus program at the very least.

 

With or without a good AV infections or still possible. Using torrent sites for instance one can always allow infections past an AV.

 

One of our security experts would likely have more input on this.

[etavares]

Hi edwardgregory,

 

The short answer is yes, a router can be hacked. The most common type of virus that does this just uses the default password for the router (e.g. "password") The second you install a router, you should create a custom password that is strong (e.g. a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, and fairly random). This will make it much more complex to hack the password.

 

If you had a custom 10 character code, that is much more unlikely you were hacked, although still possible.

 

Does that help?

 

-etavares

[edwardgregory]

Thanks, Randy. I keep my AVG fully updated, but as you say, it can still be hacked. Nebraska! I knew USAF Offutt well in my RAF V bomber days, The night life in Omaha was good. Edward

 

If you were attacked or infected it might be a case of poor security software. One should always have a good updated antivirus program at the very least.

 

With or without a good AV infections or still possible. Using torrent sites for instance one can always allow infections past an AV.

 

One of our security experts would likely have more input on this.

[RandyL]

It's a small world. I'm about 50 miles from there. I heard the night life was good there back in the day. Always nice to have service people on our forum. Stick around.