Can i gain access to the internal lan if i know the router password?

marklodge · 06-20-2008, 01:28 PM

I've heard that users should always change their default router passwords as this can be exploited to allow hackers to gain access to the internal LAN (computers connected to the router) and can gain access to files stored on every pc on that lan. Is this true? If yes, then how is it done? I have done some searching but came up with nothing. Please enlighten us on this matter.
I have also read some threads which says that certain ports should be forwarded to be able to gain access to the internal Lan, but this was not very clear.
What is a malicious user able to accomplish if he knows the password of my broadband (ADSL) router? (Besides knowing my WAN username & password and resetting my router)
Any comments will be much appreciated

johnwill · 06-21-2008, 05:32 PM

Well, just knowing the router's login password won't help them much unless you run an unencrypted wireless connection. I recommend WPA/WPA2 with a strong random key. Of course, changing the router's password is always advised, and it's a painless thing to do.

06-20-2008, 01:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
marklodge Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1 OS: xp	Can I gain access to the internal LAN if I know the router password? I've heard that users should always change their default router passwords as this can be exploited to allow hackers to gain access to the internal LAN (computers connected to the router) and can gain access to files stored on every pc on that lan. Is this true? If yes, then how is it done? I have done some searching but came up with nothing. Please enlighten us on this matter. I have also read some threads which says that certain ports should be forwarded to be able to gain access to the internal Lan, but this was not very clear. What is a malicious user able to accomplish if he knows the password of my broadband (ADSL) router? (Besides knowing my WAN username & password and resetting my router) Any comments will be much appreciated Last edited by marklodge : 06-20-2008 at 01:34 PM.

06-21-2008, 05:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,329 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Can i gain access to the internal lan if i know the router password? Well, just knowing the router's login password won't help them much unless you run an unencrypted wireless connection. I recommend WPA/WPA2 with a strong random key. Of course, changing the router's password is always advised, and it's a painless thing to do. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience