Up to half of home broadband connections are susceptible to a new kind of attack, called 'drive-by pharming’, according to security firm Symantec.

Pharming is the term used for when an attacker redirects your efforts to get to one Web page and sends you to a bogus, but visually similar Web page. This is often done by changing the host file on your computer or by manipulating the Domain Name System (DNS), which is responsible for your IP address – or unique identity – on the Internet.

The newer ‘drive-by pharming’ happens when you visit a malicious Web site and the attacker can change the DNS settings on your broadband router or wireless access point. This can happen if the router is not password protected or you haven’t bothered to change the default password – which many attackers will know. Malicious sites – especially bank sites - often look very like the original one and once you enter your name and password, some out there can steal your information and then rifle your accounts.

“This new research exposes a problem affecting millions of broadband users worldwide. Because of the ease by which drive-by pharming attacks can be launched, it is vital that consumers adequately protect their broadband routers and wireless access points today,” said Oliver Friedrichs, director, Symantec security response.

The moral of this story is change your router’s password now, into something not easily guessed by the bad guys. A mix of letters and numbers usually does the trick. 

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