BSNL asks broadband users to change password after malware attack

State-owned telecom operator BSNL recently said that it was hit by a malware attack earlier in the week and has advised broadband users to change the default system password.

The malware attack impacted nearly 2,000 broadband modems, where subscribers had not changed default password “admin”. There was no impact on BSNL’s core network, billing or any other system.

“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,” BSNL Chairman Anupam Shrivastava told PTI.

Shrivastava said that during the attack, malware was changing the passwords of users (those who were using the word ‘admin’ as password) and so the affected modems were unable to log in.

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