Broadband Genie reminds Wi-Fi users to password-protect their accounts

PRLog (Press Release) – Nov 23, 2007 – A recent survey by security firm, Sophos has found that 54% of online users have piggybacked onto someone else’s wireless broadband internet access without asking permission. The easiest targets are residents who fail to implement security passwords and encryption codes, allowing neighbours to ‘steal’ their Wi-Fi connection with very little effort.
Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos explained to piggybackers: “If you’ve hopped onto your next door neighbour’s wireless broadband connection to illegally download movies and music from the web, chances are you are slowing down their internet access and impacting on their download limit.”
Sophos have also recommended that home owners and businesses take the time to set up their networks securely, using encryption to lower the risk of username and password theft: “If you are not encrypting your wireless communications it is easy for cyber-criminals to snoop on what you’re doing, whether it’s surfing the internet or remotely accessing work documents… They may even be able to infect your computer with malware designed to commit identity theft. It is essential that your Wi-Fi connection is encrypted and that you have not chosen a password for your router which is easy to guess or crack.”
Ciaron Dunne from Broadband Genie advises Wi-Fi users to spend time checking their encryption settings to deter unwanted piggybackers: “The best way to stop people piggybacking is with WEP or WPA encryption. Only devices with the same password will then be able to access your wireless router. Failing to take these precautions could result in you receiving seriously hindered broadband performance.”
Notes to editors

Broadband Genie allows users to compare broadband online, and is part of Genie Group.

Genie Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of internet comparison shopping services in the UK, and was set up in 2004 by Philip Wilkinson (co-founder of Kelkoo UK). Genie Group's unique selling point is 'the Genie', which makes personal recommendations to internet shoppers based on ground-breaking, intelligent technology. This gives Genie Group the ability to provide an enjoyable and satisfying internet shopping experience, and deliver an unmatched quality of sales leads to our affiliate merchants. Genie Group launched its flagship broadband comparison service Broadband Genie in January 2005.

More information can be found at http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk . Please direct all media enquiries to Ciaron Dunne. Interviews with Philip Wilkinson can be arranged on request.