Virgin Media's Mandatory Router Upgrade: Security Implications and Hidden Costs

Virgin Media is rolling out free router upgrades to customers using older Hub models (Hub 1-3) to comply with new UK cybersecurity laws. While marketed as a free service, some users report unexpected £35 activation fees, raising questions about transparency in the upgrade process¹. The move comes as the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (2024) mandates regular security updates for internet-connected devices².

Security Risks of Outdated Routers

The older Virgin Media Hub models (1, 2, 2AC, and 3) no longer receive security patches, leaving them vulnerable to multiple attack vectors. These devices are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, ransomware infections, and credential theft due to unpatched vulnerabilities³. The Hub 4 and Hub 5 replacements offer automatic security updates and improved encryption standards, addressing these critical security gaps. Network administrators should prioritize these upgrades as outdated routers create entry points for network compromise.

Technical Specifications of New Hub Models

The replacement routers offer significant technical improvements over their predecessors. The Hub 4 supports Wi-Fi 5 with speeds up to 1Gbps, while the Hub 5 introduces Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. Both models include:

Feature	Hub 4	Hub 5
Wi-Fi Standard	802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)	802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Maximum Speed	1Gbps	1Gbps+
Security Updates	Automatic	Automatic

Customers can identify their current router model by checking for codes like Arris-TG2492LG-VM (Hub 3) or Arris-TG3492LG-VMB (Hub 4)⁴.

Upgrade Process and Potential Pitfalls

Eligible customers can check their upgrade status at virginmedia.com/hubupgrade. While Virgin Media advertises the service as free, community reports indicate some users face unexpected £35 activation fees⁵. The company states these fees apply to “service activation” and should be outlined in contract documents. Security teams should verify:

Contract terms before accepting upgrades
Whether the upgrade extends the service agreement
Any potential impact on existing security configurations

For organizations using Virgin Media services, the upgrade may require reconfiguration of network security settings, firewall rules, and device whitelisting.

Regulatory Context and Compliance

The UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (2024) introduces strict requirements for IoT devices, including:

“Manufacturers must provide clear information about security update timelines and ban default passwords like ‘admin’ on internet-connected devices.”

This legislation aims to reduce vulnerabilities in consumer networking equipment that could be exploited in large-scale attacks. The Virgin Media router upgrade program demonstrates how telecom providers are adapting to these new requirements⁶.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Virgin Media router upgrade addresses critical security vulnerabilities in older hardware, bringing devices into compliance with new UK cybersecurity laws. While the technical improvements are substantial, organizations should carefully review contract terms to avoid unexpected fees. Security teams should: