Sky Broadband - network hacked question

scrub

I bought a new Acer Aspire D270 with McAfee antivirus software installed. I've only used the internet on it a few times but each time it was very slow. I thought it was the McAfee software so I rang the helpline.

The assistant accessed my laptop and said that my network had been hacked and there were eight separate IP addresses other than mine accessing my network. He said I needed to contact a Microsoft Certified Engineer and get a security shield and a security cap on my network to stop the other IP addresses getting access to my network. Obviously he was trying to sell the support but I wanted to check if anyone could advise if I could secure my network somehow or where I could go that is reasonable price. I've got Sky Broadband and it is password protected but the assistant said that changing the password wouldn't do anything. Any ideas?

brewerdave

How long have you had Sky router? Have you allowed anyone visiting your home to use your b/band connection by giving them the wireless key? If so, the MACs of these visitors machines may still be visible in the table of connected machines but not currently live. For instance my router shows 6 machines have been given DHCP leases - but 4 are time expired, only my two PCs are currently allowed to connect.
Its also possible that you were given a pre owned router with previous connected machines showing but not live.
If these other connections are live then you deffo need to change the wireless key - don't think that you can access it on Sky router because they are normally locked ,so you will need to take it up with Sky themselves

penrhyn

I guess the OP could do a factory reset on the router by pushing the button on the back for 10 seconds or so.
Logging in to a Sky router is just http://192.168.0.1/sky_index.html

User admin, password sky

Then change the wireless password.

Gordon_Hose

What speeds should you be getting? Are you sure you don't just have slow BB?

penrhyn

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

What speeds should you be getting? Are you sure you don't just have slow BB?

Good point, OP please post your router line statistics.

Gordon_Hose

Also, Sky Connect (re-branded BT Wholsale BB) or Sky LLU (Sky's own network)? That would make a difference too.

scrub

I have given my router details to others so it could be those and I have three other devices; a laptop, a mac and my mobile which use the network. Would they all show as other IP addresses even when they weren't on?
I asked about changing the password to access the Wifi and the assistant said that wouldn't make any difference as the problem is on the network? He said I needed a 'security cap' and 'security shield' on the actual network in addition to the antivirus software. Was he talking rubbish?

Gordon_Hose

I suspect he was talking balls. Anyone can log into their router and change the SSID and password.

penrhyn

Mine only shows the devices that are currently attached. If not try refreshing the list.
What are your router line statistics?

Gordon_Hose

Yeah, mine is only showing devices currently connected.

Two phones, two laptops.

macman

If you want to keep your devices secure, then I'd start by removing McAfee and using a decent free AV program, such as Avast, Avira, or MSE.