Virgin media is giving a free router upgrade to eligible broadband customers with two specific hub models. The hub upgrade programme comes after the UK government enforced the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act in April 2024 to protect consumers from cyber criminals.

The Act ensures that network devices receive greater protection through measures including regular security updates and stronger default passwords. The new law followed the Telecommunications (Security) Act (TSA) enforced in November 2021 which placed stronger legal duties on public telecoms providers to defend their networks from cyber threats and attacks. Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, advises that Virgin Media customers log in to their accounts and process the free upgrade to avoid the putting their security at risk.

He said: “Under both pieces of legislation, Virgin Media’s older broadband routers are no longer compliant, as they do not receive the vital security updates required.

“Routers that have been phased out and no longer receive updates pose significant security risks, leaving your home network vulnerable to cyberattacks. Without regular updates, routers may lack the latest security patches, making them susceptible to known vulnerabilities. This can increase your chances of:

• Ransomware: A type of malware where your device is held hostage until a ransom is paid. After payment, the attacker may provide instructions on how to regain control of your device.
• MITM Attacks: Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks occur when a cybercriminal intercepts communications between two parties, effectively ‘eavesdropping’ on the data being shared.
• Increased risk of phishing attacks: Phishing involves sending emails that appear to be from trusted sources to extract sensitive information. Older routers can make phishing attempts more convincing by giving attackers access to your personal data.”

Without regular updates, routers may lack the latest security patches, making them susceptible to ransomware and phishing attacks. As such, it is “vital” for Virgin Media customers to upgrade their router to its 4.0 model free of charge. Whilst this isn’t the company’s latest model, it still receives regular automatic security updates.

If your Virgin Media router has the following two model codes then you will need to upgrade it:

• Hub 2 - Model code: Arris-TG2492LG-VM
• Hub 3 - Model code: Arris-TG3492LG-VMB

Customers who have upgraded their broadband service within the past five years are unlikely to meet the criteria for a free upgrade - or even need an upgrade - but if your router is older than the Virgin media Hub 4, you should book your upgrade via the Virgin Media website as soon as possible.