Huge download increase

peasblossom · Dec 08, 2011, 21:00:28

I'm puzzled by a huge download increase that has occurred during this month. I get a number of updates but I'm wondering how they could have gone over 7GB. (I'm on package that has a 4GB peak limit which I'd managed to keep to or pretty close to it.) I switched off the wireless bit of my modem, btw. Is there anything I should check?

Steve · Dec 08, 2011, 21:54:44

Make sure your WiFi is secure i.e. ensure your using at least WPA encryption preferably WPAv2 , if this is the case I think it's unlikely you've been hacked. Common reasons for surprise usage is the use of streamed video i.e. BBC iPlayer

Rik · Dec 09, 2011, 08:19:00

Or iTunes...

peasblossom · Dec 09, 2011, 09:47:12

WIFI is disabled, I don't download iTunes (or similar) or stream loads of programmes. Hmm.

Glenn · Dec 09, 2011, 09:49:28

Malware or virus, if no one in the household has used the bandwidth? Have you scanned the drive for both?

peasblossom · Dec 09, 2011, 10:29:51

No, I haven't. Using Linux, not that I'm lax about security. (Firewall and virus checker installed.) Just me, myself and I using computer, AFAIK.

Simon · Dec 09, 2011, 10:37:09

If you call IDNet, they may be able to pinpoint any singular large downloads, or tell you if there's a constant stream going on.

Steve · Dec 09, 2011, 10:40:44

Very occasionally the download information has been wrong from the BT radius server.

peasblossom · Dec 09, 2011, 10:57:14

It'd have to be consistently wrong for exactly the same time of day. I've got a password on my router now so we'll see if that makes a difference.

peasblossom · Dec 12, 2011, 15:59:09

I've now got a credit note from IDNet for last month. Do I need to do anything with it? I'm assuming not.

Rik · Dec 12, 2011, 15:59:46

No, it will be applied to your next bill(s).

pctech · Dec 12, 2011, 19:40:35

Do you listen to the radio online or make use of Youtube, Vimeo, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player or 4oD or perhaps have your Freeview or Freesat box linked up?

Streaming radio and the above can really chew through the bandwidth, I make use of ehat I'd say is moderate use of the above and can easily clock up 5-7GB.

Steve · Dec 12, 2011, 19:48:52

I'm assuming from the OP last post that he did not exceed his download quota.

Simon · Dec 12, 2011, 20:05:19

Yes, I was wondering that too.

peasblossom · Dec 12, 2011, 20:59:59

I wondered about reporting back but I will now. No, my bandwidth usage has gone right down to normal after I did what support suggested so someone must have been snaffling it without my knowing. The moral is, never assume that disabling your wireless modem means it can't be 'used' wirelessly.

.Griff. · Dec 12, 2011, 21:02:33

I'm confused. Someone was using your wireless connection but Idnet credited you anyway?!?

peasblossom · Dec 12, 2011, 21:08:03

I have changed package just to be on the safe side. But hey, if they want to give me a credit note, I'm not going to grumble!

Perhaps they felt that since it hadn't been me using all it it was the thing to do, I don't know. But I think the first option is more likely.