Virgin Media Offers Free Wi-Fi Router Upgrades to Enhance Customer Security
In a move to bolster customer security and keep pace with the latest technological advancements, Virgin Media is upgrading its customers’ Wi-Fi routers for free. The company is contacting long-standing broadband customers who are still using some of its oldest routers, inviting them to switch to the newer Virgin Media Hub 4 at no extra cost. This upgrade is a direct response to the UK Government’s new legislation aimed at protecting consumers from hackers and cybercriminals.
The free upgrade is a welcome relief for customers who have been using older hardware that no longer receives security updates, leaving their wireless networks vulnerable to hackers and bugs. According to GB News, the older hardware from Virgin Media no longer receives security updates, making it a prime target for cyber threats.
The Virgin Media Hub 4 boasts several improvements over its predecessors, including two additional wireless antennas. This enhancement should help alleviate issues with poor connections in certain parts of the home or congested Wi-Fi networks due to the numerous gadgets connected to a single router. Furthermore, the Hub 4 operates on Wi-Fi 5, which, although not the newest standard, can still offer speed boosts for those switching from even older Wi-Fi routers. However, to take full advantage of these improvements, customers will need a device that supports the Wi-Fi 5 standard.
As GB News reports, customers who own a Virgin Media Hub 3 or older are likely eligible for the free upgrade to the Hub 4. This move is part of Virgin Media’s effort to ensure its broadband subscribers are using up-to-date hardware. The company’s flagship Hub 5 features the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, but it still lags behind the Wi-Fi 7 router offered by EE, the first nationwide broadband supplier to provide this advanced technology.
The new legislation, which came into effect this month, requires manufacturers to protect consumers from hackers and cybercriminals accessing devices with internet or network connectivity. This includes banning weak, easily guessable default passwords and prompting users to change them on start-up. According to the UK Government, this measure aims to prevent threats like the Mirai attack in 2016, which compromised 300,000 smart products due to weak security features.
Speaking at the time of the legislation’s announcement, then-UK Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, said: “Today marks a new era where consumers can have greater confidence that their smart devices, such as phones and broadband routers, are shielded from cyber threats, and the integrity of personal privacy, data and finances better protected.” As GB News notes, this new regime intends to increase consumer confidence in the security of the products they buy and use.
Customers who are eligible for the free upgrade from Virgin Media will be contacted by the broadband supplier in the coming days. The message will inform them that their current router no longer receives security updates and offer a free replacement with the Hub 4, which is more secure, faster, and offers improved power consumption. Those who haven’t heard from Virgin Media but suspect they might be running older equipment can check whether they’re eligible for an upgrade by visiting virginmedia.com/hubupgrade.
In related news, customers looking to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi 7 speeds can consider purchasing the eero 7 wireless router from Amazon. This cutting-edge router supports internet speeds up to 2.5Gbps and wireless speeds up to 1.8 Gbps, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking enhanced online performance.
By offering free upgrades to its customers, Virgin Media is taking proactive steps to enhance their online security and experience. As GB News highlights, this move is a direct response to the UK Government’s new legislation and a commitment to providing customers with the latest technology and security features.
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