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  4. Cisco locks customers out of their own routers, only lets them back in if they agree to being spied upon and monetized

Cisco locks customers out of their own routers, only lets them back in if they agree to being spied upon and monetized

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved The Insider News
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  • C Chris Maunder

    BoingBoing[^]:

    Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

    cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

    B Offline
    B Offline
    Bassam Abdul Baki
    wrote on last edited by
    #3

    In the future (last month), nobody will sell anything, just lease it, so that they can control you.

    Web - BM - RSS - Math - LinkedIn

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    • C Chris Maunder

      BoingBoing[^]:

      Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

      cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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      lewax00
      wrote on last edited by
      #4

      And Cisco just made my list of "brands to never buy". If a free service wants to try and track me that's one thing (they have to pay their bills too, but that doesn't mean I'll make it easy for them to do it), but I will not have a product I paid for using my information as an additional revenue stream, nor will I give a company the option to shut down my personal equipment.

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      • C Chris Maunder

        BoingBoing[^]:

        Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

        cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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        L Offline
        LloydA111
        wrote on last edited by
        #5

        Or you could just downgrade the current firmware.

        =====
        \ | /
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        |-----|
        | |
        |_ |
        _) | /
        _) __/_
        _) ____
        | /|
        | / |
        | |
        |-----|
        |

        ===

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        • L LloydA111

          Or you could just downgrade the current firmware.

          =====
          \ | /
          \|/
          |
          |-----|
          | |
          |_ |
          _) | /
          _) __/_
          _) ____
          | /|
          | / |
          | |
          |-----|
          |

          ===

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          lewax00
          wrote on last edited by
          #6

          Which would be easier if they would at least post the instructions online. Requiring you to call them for instructions is BS.

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          • C Chris Maunder

            BoingBoing[^]:

            Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

            cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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            P Offline
            PIEBALDconsult
            wrote on last edited by
            #7

            Will that make my used router more or less valuable on ebay? :confused:

            1 Reply Last reply
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            • C Chris Maunder

              BoingBoing[^]:

              Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

              cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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              Lost User
              wrote on last edited by
              #8

              What the hell is wrong with people/organizations. That is SO MESSED UP! I can't hardly believe it .. I'm pissed and I don't even own a Cisco product ! UBX ..

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              • C Chris Maunder

                BoingBoing[^]:

                Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

                cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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                M Offline
                Minion no 5
                wrote on last edited by
                #9

                The Register has been informed.

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • C Chris Maunder

                  BoingBoing[^]:

                  Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

                  cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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                  J Offline
                  jkirkerx
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #10

                  I don't think it's cisco that will be disconnecting you. And I'm sure it's automatic data gathering, and who's really residing in that cloud, d-h-s?. Glad I have a vintage linksys 2002 router at home. Thinking about replacing it with a new G37.

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                  • C Chris Maunder

                    BoingBoing[^]:

                    Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

                    cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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                    Lost User
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #11

                    Selling my shares.

                    1 Reply Last reply
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                    • J jkirkerx

                      I don't think it's cisco that will be disconnecting you. And I'm sure it's automatic data gathering, and who's really residing in that cloud, d-h-s?. Glad I have a vintage linksys 2002 router at home. Thinking about replacing it with a new G37.

                      C Offline
                      C Offline
                      Chris Maunder
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #12

                      You're replacing a router with a G37? I hope you're getting the convertible[^].

                      cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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                      • C Chris Maunder

                        BoingBoing[^]:

                        Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

                        cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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                        Brisingr Aerowing
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #13

                        That just makes me sick.

                        Bill Gates is a very rich man today... and do you want to know why? The answer is one word: versions. Dave Barry Read more at [BrainyQuote](http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics topic_technology.html#yAfSEbrfumitrteO.99)[^]

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                        • C Chris Maunder

                          You're replacing a router with a G37? I hope you're getting the convertible[^].

                          cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

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                          jkirkerx
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #14

                          That's funny Chris, I meant the other G37!, the ultimate in protection from outside forces. other g37 - surprise Actually your idea is better. That's a great looking car and yes the convertible for a little Sunday Cruise down PCH to Laguna Beach destination Las Brisas, and some Margarita's. I actually prefer Porsche 911's, just a fun driven car. Las Brisas over looking the Pacific Ocean

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                          • C Chris Maunder

                            BoingBoing[^]:

                            Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

                            cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

                            S Offline
                            S Offline
                            Septimus Hedgehog
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #15

                            Information is everything and information is king. I've never studied the CodeProject T&C but does CP sell or give away the information about its almost 10 million subscribers? I'm sure there's a lot of information in there that other companies would like to harvest and tap into. Cisco is but one facet of a multi-faceted information diamond mine.

                            "I do not have to forgive my enemies, I have had them all shot." — Ramón Maria Narváez (1800-68). "I don't need to shoot my enemies, I don't have any." - Me (2012).

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                            • S Septimus Hedgehog

                              Information is everything and information is king. I've never studied the CodeProject T&C but does CP sell or give away the information about its almost 10 million subscribers? I'm sure there's a lot of information in there that other companies would like to harvest and tap into. Cisco is but one facet of a multi-faceted information diamond mine.

                              "I do not have to forgive my enemies, I have had them all shot." — Ramón Maria Narváez (1800-68). "I don't need to shoot my enemies, I don't have any." - Me (2012).

                              OriginalGriffO Offline
                              OriginalGriffO Offline
                              OriginalGriff
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #16

                              PHS241 wrote:

                              I've never studied the CodeProject T&C

                              Oooo! You checked a box when you signed up, stating that you had read and understood the conditions... Did you not send an email first requesting clearance to join without clause 17.14.2.8(iii)? The one handing CodeProject all your worldly goods? Everyone else did! The site TOS are pretty clear: "Registration information becomes the non-exclusive property of The Code Project and may be used by The Code Project for market research, marketing, improvements to our Services, and for such purposes as may be set out in our privacy statement." http://www.codeproject.com/info/TermsOfUse.aspx[^], section 5

                              Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water

                              "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                              "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

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                              • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                PHS241 wrote:

                                I've never studied the CodeProject T&C

                                Oooo! You checked a box when you signed up, stating that you had read and understood the conditions... Did you not send an email first requesting clearance to join without clause 17.14.2.8(iii)? The one handing CodeProject all your worldly goods? Everyone else did! The site TOS are pretty clear: "Registration information becomes the non-exclusive property of The Code Project and may be used by The Code Project for market research, marketing, improvements to our Services, and for such purposes as may be set out in our privacy statement." http://www.codeproject.com/info/TermsOfUse.aspx[^], section 5

                                Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water

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                                Andrew Rissing
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #17

                                You also get your very own Bob[^].

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                                • L lewax00

                                  And Cisco just made my list of "brands to never buy". If a free service wants to try and track me that's one thing (they have to pay their bills too, but that doesn't mean I'll make it easy for them to do it), but I will not have a product I paid for using my information as an additional revenue stream, nor will I give a company the option to shut down my personal equipment.

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                                  RafagaX
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #18

                                  I was considering buying some Cisco equipment, with this, i believe i will look elsewhere. :doh:

                                  CEO at: - Rafaga Systems - Para Facturas - Modern Components for the moment...

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                                  • S Septimus Hedgehog

                                    Information is everything and information is king. I've never studied the CodeProject T&C but does CP sell or give away the information about its almost 10 million subscribers? I'm sure there's a lot of information in there that other companies would like to harvest and tap into. Cisco is but one facet of a multi-faceted information diamond mine.

                                    "I do not have to forgive my enemies, I have had them all shot." — Ramón Maria Narváez (1800-68). "I don't need to shoot my enemies, I don't have any." - Me (2012).

                                    R Offline
                                    R Offline
                                    RafagaX
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #19

                                    Welcome to the future, where goods you buy also track you for your own sake (hold on i believe i have seen this before, start with A and end with pple), what the hell is Cisco thinking of?, it is dealing with technology professionals that recommends their products, if we don't it will simply vanish from the picture.

                                    CEO at: - Rafaga Systems - Para Facturas - Modern Components for the moment...

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                                    • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                      PHS241 wrote:

                                      I've never studied the CodeProject T&C

                                      Oooo! You checked a box when you signed up, stating that you had read and understood the conditions... Did you not send an email first requesting clearance to join without clause 17.14.2.8(iii)? The one handing CodeProject all your worldly goods? Everyone else did! The site TOS are pretty clear: "Registration information becomes the non-exclusive property of The Code Project and may be used by The Code Project for market research, marketing, improvements to our Services, and for such purposes as may be set out in our privacy statement." http://www.codeproject.com/info/TermsOfUse.aspx[^], section 5

                                      Ideological Purity is no substitute for being able to stick your thumb down a pipe to stop the water

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                                      T Offline
                                      TNCaver
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #20

                                      In this usage, what is the definition of "non-exclusive property"? And how can my "personal and demographic information as prompted by the applicable registration form" ever be anyone's property but my own, whether exclusive or non-exclusive? Is my name and/or username now the property of The Code Project? My home or email addresses? If so, that's very disturbing. Can I terminate TCP's claim by closing my account?

                                      If you think 'goto' is evil, try writing an Assembly program without JMP.

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                                      • C Chris Maunder

                                        BoingBoing[^]:

                                        Owners of Cisco/Linksys home routers got a nasty shock this week, when their devices automatically downloaded a new operating system, which locked out device owners. After the update, the only way to reconfigure your router was to create an account on Cisco's "cloud" service, signing up to a service agreement that gives Cisco the right to spy on your Internet use and sell its findings, and also gives them the right to disconnect you (and lock you out of your router) whenever they feel like it.

                                        cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project | Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP

                                        R Offline
                                        R Offline
                                        richard_k
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #21

                                        Some clarity here.. First, you have to dig a bit.. this doesn't apply to ALL Cisco routers, only their 'App Enabled Routers' that have automatic updating turned ON. I own a Cisco router (not an App Enabled one) and I didn't get auto-updated and have not been forced to sign up for the cloud. This seems a lot like a knee jerk reaction on some folks part to an ill-considered move on Cisco's part. There is no doubt that this is a seriously stupid move on Cisco's part. No doubt at all. But I'm not personally prepared to go full-paranoid on Cisco as of yet. Cisco has a reputation that must be maintained to continue to sell products. And plenty of competitors that would love to see it trip badly. Keep in mind that the internet is a giant echo chamber. It tends to magnify things due to herd behavior.. If you read the comments about this carefully you'll see that many folks don't even own Cisco.. they are just expressing their confidence that this is 'evil corporations at it again'.. a paranoid response. I've lived in the 'belly of the beast' of large corporations for more than half my career. I've never seen signs of overt evil, but I've seen PLENTY of mediocrity and outright stupdity. The writer of the original article, in my opinion, is showing an extreme lack of judgement.. none of the details around how many customers are affected/type of routers/conditions of update are even listed. Its just a 'Cisco did some evil stuff' hit piece. In a word, typical stupid reporting/commentary (something I've seen so much lately it makes my head spin). Caveat Emptor doesn't apply just to retail goods.. it goes for news too. Just my 2 cents..

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                                        • L lewax00

                                          And Cisco just made my list of "brands to never buy". If a free service wants to try and track me that's one thing (they have to pay their bills too, but that doesn't mean I'll make it easy for them to do it), but I will not have a product I paid for using my information as an additional revenue stream, nor will I give a company the option to shut down my personal equipment.

                                          J Offline
                                          J Offline
                                          Joe Woodbury
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #22

                                          They've been on my "do not buy" list for a rather long time.

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