The TechGuys, the UK’s national digital support service, is warning households about the rapid emergence of a new suburban scourge, the “Bandwidth Bandit”, as increasingly high tech thieves hack in home wireless networks to access the internet and download data. The cleverest bandits are also able to access files from home PCs, raising risks of data theft.
TechGuys field engineers have anecdotally reported the frequent detection of neighbouring unsecured wireless networks during routine maintenance visits to customers’ homes. At the same time, nearly half of all calls to the TechGuys laptop support line are wireless network related.
David Bugg of the TechGuys warns: “Whilst secure wireless networks offer huge advantages, unsecured networks create significant risks for households. Bandwidth theft is a totally invisible crime and a worrying new phenomenon. Our advice to customers is to ensure that their networks are secure. There are regular reports of thieves prowling suburban streets with laptops in search of unsecured networks and households need to beware. Criminals undertake this activity to download illegal content from the Internet without revealing their identity.”
In the last eight weeks, the TechGuys have responded to thousands of calls from customers worried about the security of their wireless networks. The TechGuys can quickly put in place the measures to ensure that home wireless networks are secure. In addition to the mobile detector van service, the TechGuys will offer callers to their helpline, 0800 023 2300, a free wireless diagnostic service or a step by step guide at the TechGuys website, www.thetechguys.com.
David Bugg explained the wireless detector van trial: “Our highly visible fleet of hundreds of vans are making home visits nation-wide all the time. If neighbours spot a TechGuy van in their street, we’d be only too happy to offer advice and guidance on home network security on the spot.”
He added: “Wireless technology offers enormous benefits but it is essential that households guard against the risks. The TechGuys are here to help customers get the best out of their technology and safeguarding homes against this worrying new crimewave is a classic example of the value of our national support network.”
Making home wireless networks secure is a relatively simple process and the TechGuys can provide in-home or phone-based guidance via the freephone helpline, 0800 023 2300.
More information:
Hamish Thompson | Twelve Thirty Eight Ltd | 07702 684290
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