Xfinity/Comcast provides internet to 1/3 of Americans. This is highly alarming, as it represents the total of Americans potentially facing major network security breaches, in 2024. Additionally, statistics show that 85% of the U.S. population says they have at least one smart device connected to the internet, according to online sources, most of whom are using Xfinity internet services. Therefore, this number is equivalent to the population that today deals with invasion of privacy, data theft and even physical damage with geolocation being compromised through their mobile devices when they use the company's App.
Now, using my most recent experience with Xfinity to write this review, my internet security has been breached on two separate accounts. When I first detected the security concerns with my internet service, it was through the evaluation of my Xfinity Gateway and App Admin Tools that were showing the unknown MAC address of devices that were not mine or any member of my household or visitors. After this finding, I started an investigation and sought a solution with the company's Technical Support and Security and Assurance teams. This was, of course, a failed attempt, as the company's personnel are probably the hacker. To make matters worse, let's say you work remotely and have professional obligations, as well as face threats of being in a position so targeted by cybercriminals. Anyway. Talking about the Xfinity service, they setup your Wi-Fi name and password initially unless you use your own equipment, which I highly recommend doing.
The company claims to offer "a self-service installation," which is misleading. That is, the initial Wi-Fi name and password, again, if you are leasing the company's Modern/Router still need technical support to activate and configure the Gateway. Also, if you want to access your Gateway/Router IP Address to make any changes, it's through a Web HTTP:// protocol, which is already an insecure protocol, and the company's website blocks you if you have a VPN enabled on your device. Therefore, you are required to disable the VPN before visiting its Gateway Administration Tool (Router IP), which is clearly how the company collects your IP address.
Bottom line, Xfinity tech personnel will always have insight of your Wi-Fi name and password, and it's recommended to change them immediately. However, even doing so, they will potentially be inside your Gateway and App Admin Tools, even before you did when using their equipment/gateway/app tools. Also, while I was reviewing the company's App Admin Tool to remove any unknown devices that would show up randomly or a device that would remain active online even after I logged out without even saving the Wi-Fi name and password in the device after each use, my iPad was breached in the process. This led to other devices getting compromised and what further complicated the matter is because I was using my iPhone Hotspot, which is a different subject that will not be covered in this review. read more