Router-hacking Trojans spotted

Security experts have identified Trojan horse-style malware that cybercriminals are using to hack into people's wireless networks.

The Trojans target wireless routers, which many people fail to secure adequately, re-routing traffic to malicious domains even when legitimate URLs are entered into the browser, according to Trend Micro.

The attack involves accessing the web page used to configure the wireless router and trying out a set of pre-defined passwords and logins.

If the password information is successful, the Trojan can then redirect traffic by altering the DNS (domain name system), which is essentially an address book for the web.

"Computer users hardly ever take time to change their router passwords, and some are not even aware that such a feature can be hijacked in this manner. A strong password may be the only thing standing between re-routing hell and a PC impenetrable by router-hacking malware," said Macky Cruz of Trend Micro.

To create a strong password, you should use "a mix of alphanumeric characters, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters", said Cruz.

Attacks on wireless networks have been in the news recently, after security issues were discovered in some BT Home Hubs.

Additionally, security experts have warned that hacking into wireless networks - Wi-Fi "piggybacking" - could be a tactic used by people attempting to illegally download copyrighted content without being traced.

Read Web User's guide to securing your home Wi-Fi network.

www.trendmicro.com