Malware attack: BSNL asks broadband users to change password of modems

After a section of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) broadband system was hit by a malware attack earlier this week, the state-owned telecom operator on Thursday advised its broadband users to change the default system password.

Nearly 2,000 broadband modems have been impacted by the malware attack, where subscribers had not changed default password “admin”.

While talking to PTI, BSNL Chairman Anupam Shrivastava said, “The situation has been addressed to a great extent. We are advising customers that they should immediately change their passwords, and they should not be worried about using broadband once they have done that.”

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However, Shrivastava further said that the malware has not impacted BSNL’s core network, billing or any other system.

He said that during the attack, malware was changing the passwords of users (those who were using admin as password) and so the affected modems were unable to login.

This attack occurred earlier this week, he said, adding BSNL call centres were proactively reaching out to users to alert them, and advise them about precautionary measures.

With PTI inputs.

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