Insecurity by Obscurity: A Review of SoHo Router Literature from a Network Security Perspective

Patryk Szewczyk
Edith Cowan University
p.szewczyk@ecu.edu.au

Craig Valli
secau – Security Research Centre
Edith Cowan University
c.valli@ecu.edu.au
 

ABSTRACT

Because of prevalent threats to SoHo based ADSL Routers, many more devices are compromised. Whilst an end-user may be at fault for not applying the appropriate security mechanisms to counter these threats, vendors should equally share the blame. This paper reveals that the lack of security related content and poor overall design could impact on end-users’ interpretation and willingness to implement security controls on their ADSL router. It argues that whilst the number of threats circulating the Internet is increasing, vendors are not improving their product literature.

Keywords: ADSL router; manuals; quick start guide; network security; wireless.