Are you still using a router that’s past that prime? If so, you can open yourself up to malicious attacks. The FBI warns that cybercriminals are targeting routers that have reached the end of life and are no longer supported by manufacturers.
in Advisory and PSA An agency released last week said that attackers were deploying malware against many older routers. Typically, these routers dated before 2010 have already reached the end of life. This means that the manufacturer is no longer selling or supporting it. This means that you are vulnerable to compromise because you have not received software updates or security patches.
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Due to lack of manufacturer support, cybercriminals were able to exploit security vulnerabilities in their routers and control them through built-in remote management. Next, install the malware and connect the botnet to the device. From there, you can manipulate all your compromised devices to launch a coordinated attack or sell access to other criminals.
Even if remote management is password protected, attackers can bypass security and gain remote command line access to the router. This is due to distortions in malware known as Themoon.
“Themoon malware was first discovered in a compromised router in 2014 and has since gone through several campaigns,” the FBI said. “They don’t need a password to infect routers. They scan open ports and send commands to vulnerable scripts. The malware involves contacting the Command and Control (C2) server, and the C2 server instructs infected machines to scan other vulnerable routers to spread the infection.”
The FBI cited the following 13 routers as vulnerable to malware:
The router must display the model number on the back or bottom of the unit. So, if your router is on the list, or if you are worried that your old device is vulnerable, what do you do?
The first and most obvious answer is to throw it away and buy a new router. A good router can be found for under $100, while more capable and advanced ones are twice or tripled. Whatever your budget is, you don’t want to risk someone hacking your router and installing malware.
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In the meantime, other measures can be taken. If security patches are still available, download and install the latest patch. Next, log in to the router’s firmware and disable the remote management feature. Save your changes and then restart the router. Finally, switch your router password to something stronger and secure.
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