Possible modem security risk

What’s the problem?

Reports from the USA have recently identified a potential weakness in the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (also known as WPS) that now comes loaded with many broadband modems. Read report.

If this weakness were exploited, an attacker might be able to guess your WPS PIN number and gain access to your home wireless network without you knowing.

Should I be worried?

No. There are no reports of attackers exploiting the problem and any attacker would need to be within range of your wireless network for several hours or more to carry out such an attack.

Modem manufacturers are also working to fix the weakness on any affected modems.

In the meantime though, you can choose to eliminate any risk yourself by turning off or disabling your modem’s WPS functionality.

Which modems are affected?

Telecom-supplied modems that may be at risk include:

• Thomson TG585V8 modem
• Technicolor TG582n modem
• 2Wire 2701 HGW-V modem for businesses

While the 2Wire modem comes with WPS disabled by default, it can be enabled or disabled manually, using the modem’s graphical user interface (GUI).

The Thomson TG585V8 and Technicolor TG582n modems come with WPS enabled by default.

Can I fix the problem myself?

Yes, by following the step by step instructions in our help centre.