I think someone is using my broadband allowance

forumfan_2

I have a wireless router (Netgear DG834G V4) and I think someone is using my broadband allowance as my usage more than doubled last month.

Is there any way that I can find out for definite?
If I change the default passwords is this enough to prevent it happening in the future?

Many thanks for reading

hells_2

No.1 tip
LOCK YOUR ROUTER!


Yes, change your WEP/WIP key on your router so nobody can 'break' into your broadband. Simples. I am not sure you can 'prove' it, as you've not taken the usual security measures to prevent it. You'd have a hard job arguing it with your broadband provider I feel.

Fifer

Do you have WPA (or at least WEP) security set up on your wireless network?

ComplexP

My router shows any device that has previously connected to it within the configuration page. Perhaps yours has something similar which you can check?

Also, how do know you aren't responsible for the downloads? Do you have family members who use it for gaming? Has windows done any major updates? Did you watch a random something on the iPlayer? All these things can account for increased usage.

If you really are convinced someone has gotten into your connection you should probably set the encryption type to WPA2 and reset the password. Some routers also have the option to stop public broadcasting of their signals so that anyone searching for a list of potential targets won't see it.

Fifer

Sorry, I just realised you probably mean that you have WPA or WEP security set, but use the manufacturer's default passwords. If so, change them now. It's almost as bad as leaving your network unsecured.

ComplexP

Fifer wrote: »

Sorry, I just realised you probably mean that you have WPA or WEP security set, but use the manufacturer's default passwords. If so, change them now. It's almost as bad as leaving your network unsecured.

My router came directly out of the box with a WPA random alpha-numeric password that was on the base of it in the form of a sticker (took me a while to find it actually). I think that could have been the ISPs doing because it was provided by them.

forumfan_2

To be honest I don't really know how it works at all as someone else set it up for me. It is only because I have exceeded my broadband allowance that I realised I may have a problem.

I am not looking to take it up with the broadband provider as it is my own fault for not making it more secure. I just hoped there was some log so that I could see if that was the problem as we only really use the computer for browsing/as a remote connection to my work and our usage is normally about the same level every month (c. 2.5GB).

Sorry I don't even know what a WPA or WEP is let alone if they have been set up. If I just change the default admin password to something other than 'password' would that be enough or is there something else I need to do?

Sorry if I sound stupid but I have always worked for companies that insist on doing everything for you so I am fine once they are up and running but have no idea about the hardware aspect

ComplexP

forumfan wrote: »

If I just change the default admin password to something other than 'password' would that be enough or is there something else I need to do?

That's probably enough for now. But make sure you've got a hard wire between the router and your computer before you change the password, otherwise you'll be locked out if you make a mistake.

Fonz_2

forumfan wrote: »

If I just change the default admin password to something other than 'password' would that be enough or is there something else I need to do?

No, this won't help at all. If you're not comfortable doing this you really need to get someone to look at the security settings for you and make sure you're set up correctly. Without this, if someone really is using your wireless connection, you're never going to stop it.

espresso

ComplexP wrote: »

That's probably enough for now. But make sure you've got a hard wire between the router and your computer before you change the password, otherwise you'll be locked out if you make a mistake.

That will achieve nothing if someone is accessing an unsecured wireless router!

The OP needs to connect to the router by typing http://192.168.0.1 in the address field of their browser and navigate to the wireless settings page. Ensure that WPA wireless encryption is set-up and enabled. All explained in the Netgear user guide available do download from their website.

gaming_guy

espresso wrote: »

That will achieve nothing if someone is accessing an unsecured wireless router!

The OP needs to connect to the router by typing http://192.168.0.1 in the address field of their browser and navigate to the wireless settings page. Ensure that WPA wireless encryption is set-up and enabled. All explained in the Netgear user guide available do download from their website.

and explained in detail here and here