If you use default manufacturer login and passwords for your computer equipment, be warned. There’s a nasty bit of malware circulating across the internet called “Chuck Norris” taking advantage of folks who never adopt unique passwords for their routers and DSL modems. The malware, dubbed Chuck Norris due to a comment relating to the actor appearing within the code, attempts to guess default modem/router passwords when it comes in contact with your computer. Should it be successful, it will add your computer to something called a botnet, which is a network of infected computers the person responsible for the malware could command to do his or her bidding.
So, if your administrator login is ADMIN and your password is PASSWORD, be sure to change them while you can. Make them something unusual and memorable!
Filed under: Advice
