{"id":11622,"date":"2018-08-02T14:44:32","date_gmt":"2018-08-02T21:44:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/?p=11622"},"modified":"2021-08-23T23:48:46","modified_gmt":"2021-08-24T06:48:46","slug":"wifi-security-alert-malware-already-breached-countless-routers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/wifi-security-alert-malware-already-breached-countless-routers","title":{"rendered":"Wifi Security Alert: Malware Has Already Breached Countless Routers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you want real Wifi security, you need more than just a strong password; your router must have reliable network security, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s face it: most of us will buy a Wi-Fi router without worrying about the hardware not featuring a strong network security. We\u2019ll probably care more about its range and data transmission speed than security. Tech experts, however, stress that network security has to be high on the list of considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact is that your Wi-Fi connection serves as the gateway to all your gadgets. If that’s compromised, you\u2019re virtually leaving your smartphone, smartwatch, smart TV, computer, laptop, and any smart home devices such as Amazon Echo\/Google Home speakers ripe for the picking by cybercriminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, cracking your passcode isn\u2019t the only way to infiltrate your home\u2019s wireless network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malware can attack your router directly, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Widespread Router Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Talos\u2014Cisco\u2019s cyber threat research arm\u2014discovered in recent months that a malware system has already infected hundreds of thousands of Wi-Fi routers. In collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the agency reports that the Russia-linked malware<\/a> has mostly affected routers from popular brands (e.g. TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys). Last month, however, Talos adds that the same malware has spread to routers from brands like D-Link and Asus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wifi<\/span>
Stages of a VPNFilter attack (Image credit: ZDNet)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This recent cyberthreat only solidifies the cause to take network security more seriously. The malware, named VPNFilter<\/a>, is capable of manipulating your network\u2019s Web traffic.  Cyber crooks could exploit this window to load a fake banking site, which looks like the one you normally use, on your browser. If you fall for this ploy, your credentials could be stolen and bank accounts cleaned out. These hackers are using similar ploys to take your passwords for email, social media, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Frightening Discovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Imagining the potential damage this recent finding could do is outright scary. What makes it a whole lot worse is how anyone using some of the most popular routers on the market could already be affected at this point. That\u2019s why D-Link, Netgear, and Linksys have advised its customers to install the latest security updates. They also encouraged people to come up with usernames and passwords that are tough to crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve covered tips on creating better and more secure passwords<\/a> in a previous post. How about updating a router\u2019s firmware? In a 2014 survey involving I.T. professionals and remote employees, the data reveals that only a fraction of the correspondents knew how to update their router\u2019s firmware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That percentage gets considerably lower when you add casual Internet users into the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll share with you ways to secure your router and, by extension, your gadgets after the jump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping Routers Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Making your router less susceptible to the latest malware threats requires a multi-pronged approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why HelloTech offers an expert “Wifi Security Setup & Optimization<\/a>” in-home service for just $69<\/strong>. If you want to tackle the issue yourself, here are 3 things you need to do right away:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set a strong password and unique username <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fact is that most Wi-Fi routers come with generic passwords right out of the box. This is intentional as manufacturers actually want you to make the necessary changes.  Haven\u2019t made the necessary changes to the username and password on your router\u2019s interface? It may be time that you do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For starters, come up with a username and password combo that\u2019s stronger (and less predictable) than \u201cadmin\u201d and \u201cpassword\u201d. Online security experts recommend that you use long, complex passwords. Try using nonsensical phrases that are peppered with numbers and special characters. An example would be \u201cRun 4 D h!lLs\u201d or \u201c1 lyK5 gr3en Egg$ & h4m\u201d. Take note of the use of alphanumeric characters, spaces, as well as randomly capitalized letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update the router\u2019s firmware regularly <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Follow these steps to get the latest security updates for your router:<\/p>\n\n\n\n