21 February 2008, 11:20

Sky Broadband WiFi router security misconfigured

A security problem exists in Sky Broadband's WiFi routers as supplied by the company. The rebadged Netgear DG834GT routers are supplied preconfigured with unique wireless network keys. However, according to a Register reader, the keys are naively derived from a MAC address, which is broadcast in clear. It's therefore easy to reconstruct the network key by monitoring the router remotely.

Sky Broadband's helpdesk has confirmed to heise online that the configuration problem is down to an error by Sky, not to a flaw in the router. Although the problem was posted on their user advice forum a month ago, there has been no general announcement. Sky Broadband users are advised to change the network key on their routers.

(mba)

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