Broadband Usage Rocketed

[diddlydo]

Is it possible for someone in the vicinity of my house to have got possession of my broadband access code to e.g. download films using my broadband allowance? If it is possible, what can I do to stop it?

[bednobs]

yes it is possible. change the password (or add a password if you don't have one)

[Hopkirk]

If your router is supplied by your provider, tell them it is playing up and ask for a new one. That will have a different password.

[murraymints]

change password

[Jackdaw33]

Mine has also rocketed to which I ascribe the constant, unwanted updates from Windows 10. It doesn't half gobble up your allowance.

[fender62]

Jackdaw33, if you have big updates for windows or anything else, go to a pub that has freewifi, sit back have a pint and let the downloads commence.

[davegosling]

Every modern router has functionality to show which devices are connected to it, and to log connections from devices. Start there. If you see connected devices which you don't recognise, it's a good indicator that your bandwidth is being hijacked.

What security type do you have enabled? If it's WEP rather than WPA-2, change it. Obviously if you have no security enabled, then you've got a bigger problem!

Also, consider enabling MAC address filtering if you don't use it at the moment. It won't deter a determined hacker, but will keep the casual wardrivers out...

[hc4361]

I wouldn't use free public wifi for big Windows downloads - it could take hours if the wifi is slow

[murraymints]

she got £50 K

[murraymints]

soz..wrong thread ^^^

[Quoi]

if there is someone using your broadband they may have scanned to get your password - so changing it wont help.
I would turn off the wireless and go to fixed cable for a short time. That way you can see if it is someone else ( your usage will drop) and they may get bored with having no internet and move onto someone else.

[New Judge]

"Mine has also rocketed to which I ascribe the constant, unwanted updates from Windows 10."

There have been a number of recent threads on the topic of W10 updates, JD. I have subscribed to them explaining I think compulsory W10 "updates" (which are actually fault fixes for a product which is not fit for purpose) are an utter disgrace. One AB-er mentioned that constant updates were eating into his allowance and was advised that he should not be on a capped contract but should instead go to an uncapped scheme (in order to download stuff that he doesn't need, doesn't want and didn't ask for). Strange how some folk see things.

[gingejbee]

"gobble up your allowance".....really is time to get unlimited broadband - capped "allowance" is a bit old-hat these days....

[Togo]

Do you or someone else have a mobile phone logged into your wifi? They can use a lot of data.

[New Judge]

As I said, pay for a service that you don't need in order to get downloads that you don't need, don't want and never asked for. as I said, it's strange how some folk think.

[Hopkirk]

I don't follow your thinking NJ? Are you suggesting not taking Windows update
Look what happened to the NHS trusts who didn't keep their computer systems up to date

[gingejbee]

NJ...if your comment is aimed at me, then I stand-by what I said.
"Capped" boadband was fine for most people years ago- but, with increasing use for many things/devices, many people find it insufficient.
I used to have a capped service, but when I got a smart TV and tablet, I realised that I'd be exceeding my "allowance" greatly. At more or less the same time, my broadband/telephone service (John Lewis) e-mailed saying that they were scrapping their capped service because most people now wanted uncapped...and they were now providing an unlimited service AT NO EXTRA COST. I rather assumed other providers were doing the same.
To me, a capped broadband is no different to a limited telephone service...and I wouldn't want that, either.

[New Judge]

I wouldn't even get close - nowhere near close -to using my capped allowance. Unless, of course, I was compelled to keep on downloading so-called "updates" for software that doesn't work properly without constant repair. I don't download anything Apart from the very occasional TV programme on Catch-Up when I've missed something. I just have no need.

"I don't follow your thinking NJ? Are you suggesting not taking Windows update"

I've run W8.1 for around three years. I've never accepted an update and have had no security problems whatsoever. I have had other Windows problems which no amount of "updates" would address because the product is not fit for purpose.

[Togo]

Beats me why anyone would carry on using an operating system, that they vociferously despise, when there are many other to choose from. Is it a need for a "whipping boy" to deflect other "issues"? Just install Linux or Steam or whatever. If Microsoft are the problem it is sooo easy to escape their clutches.

[New Judge]

No it's not that easy, Togo.

I can't be ar5ed to faff about installing a new operating system with all the attendant problems that will inevitably bring. Windows has been unfit for purpose since about seven or eight years ago. It tries to do too much and fails with the basics. It's an operating system. All it's supposed to do is operate the machine. And very often it doesn't. When I buy a washing machine I don't expect to have to constantly update the system that makes it work. If its operating system fails I get my money back. So it should be with computers. The manufacturer should be responsible for providing a system to make the thing work and if it fails they should supply a refund or replacement. But they don't because "It's your software, guv".

[Togo]

//I can't be ar5ed to faff about installing a new operating system with all the attendant problems that will inevitably bring.//

Installing a new system would probably take up less "time" than you now spend complaining about Microsoft. Mind you I can guarantee that thereafter your complaints would diminish. Your complaints would be less easy to post.