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We stay on top of updates for our phones and laptops. Some of us even make sure our smart -hour and security cameras work in the last firmware. But routers are often not noticed. If it works, we assume that it is normal, but this thinking may be risky.
The FBI has now warned that cybercrime is actively operating old, unadorned and outdated routers. The warning, published in May 2025, explains how midst of aging devices are captured by malicious programs and used to feed anonymous cybercrime operations. The forgotten device in your house can silently become an attacker’s tool.
Router (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
FBI’s alert
The FBI’s Internet Complaint Center has posted ACCEMENT OF THE PRSEMENT OF THE CONDITION OF May 7 2025Precautionary and organizations that criminals use outdated routers who no longer receive security patches.
The devices made approximately in 2010 are especially vulnerable, as suppliers have long stopped firmware update. According to the FBI, such routers of the end of life were broken by cyber subjects, using the options for malicious software “Themoon”, allowing the attackers to install proxy on the device and anonymously conduct illegal activities.
In fact, the routers of the house and the small office are quietly recorded in the proxy that mask the identity of the perpetrators on the Internet. The report notes that through networks such as “5 -color” and “anyproxy”, criminals sell access to infected routers as proxy. In these schemes, paid customers can send their internet traph through routers that carry the victims, obscuring their own location, while the victim’s device (and IP -Drace) is guilty.
Router (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
FBI warns about new extortion focused on sensitive data
What routers are affected?
The FBI’s newsletter even calls specific router models as frequent goals, including:
- Cisco m1
- Cisco Linksys E1500
- Cisco Linksys E1550
- Cisco Linksys Wrt610n
- Cisco Linksys E1000
- CradlePoint E100
- CradlePoint E300
- Linksys E1200
- Linksys E2500
- Linksys E3200
- Linksys Wrt320n
- Linksys E4200
- Linksys Wrt310n
All these devices are about ten years or older, and they knew safety vulnerabilities that have never been secured as soon as the support was over. With their firmware updates long stopped, any soft targets for attackers are still used.
What exactly is data violation? Why do I care?
As hackers use these routers
Many recent infections stem from devices with remote administration that exposed the internet. The attackers scan such routers, using famous firmware shortcomings without requiring passwords. The only developed web is an experience can cheat on the old device to launch malicious code. Once inward, malicious software often changes the settings by opening ports, or disabled security features, to maintain management and connection to external command servers and control.
One of the notable threats is Themoon, a demonstration of malware, which was first seen in 2014, which exploits the shortcomings in the Linksys routers. Since then, it has turned into a hidden builder of the botnet, turning infected routers into proxy. Instead of starting direct attacks, Themoon redirects the third traffic, masking the hackers’ identity behind the daily home networks. Platforms for cybercrime, such as faceless and 5 -counter access to these infected routers as “residential trusted persons”, making them valuable assets in digital underground.
For users compromised router means slower connections, exposure to phishing and spyware, and potential legal issues when criminals abuse their IP. For businesses, the risk is even higher: outdated routers can be used for deeper invasions on the network, theft and ransomware attacks. In critical sectors, the consequences can be serious, affecting safety and conservation.
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6 ways to stay safe from hackers router
Given the serious threats provided by the outdated and compromised routers, the adoption of active measures is important. Here are six practical steps you can follow to protect your network and keep hackers in fear.
1) Replace your old router if it is no longer supported: If your router is over five years old, or you can’t find recent updates on the manufacturer’s website, it may come time upgrades. Old routers often stop getting security fixes, making them an easy goal for hackers. To check, look at the label on the router for the model number and then search the Internet “(Model number) firmware update”. If the last update was many years ago, think that replace it with a newer model from the trusted brand.
If you are not sure which router to get, check my list Best routers for better security. Includes models with strong security features and compatibility with Services VPN.
2) firmware firmware of your router: Your router launches a software called firmware to be updated, like your phone or computer. To do this, open the web -browser and enter the IP Router (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1), and then enter with the username and password (usually found on the router sticker). When you get inside, look for a section called “Firmware Update”, “System” or “Administration”, and check if the update is available. Apply it if there is one. Some new routers also have applications that make it even easier.
3) Disable Remote Access: Remote access allows you to control the router outside your home network, but it also opens a hacker door. You can disable this by logging in the router settings (using the same stages as above), and then find the settings called “Remote Management”, “Remote Access” or “Wan Access”. Make sure this feature is disabled and then save the changes and restart the router.
4) Use a strong password for router settings: Do not leave the router using the default entrance, such as “Administrator” and “Password”. This is the first thing hackers will try. Change it to a long, strong password using letters, numbers and characters. A good example can be something like T#8r2k! SG91XM4VL. Try to avoid using the same password you use elsewhere. Usually you can change the password to log in to the “Administration” or “Security” of the router settings. Try using password manager to create and storing complex passwords. Get more information about my The best expert who views the 2025 passwords here.
5) Keep track of weird behavior and act quickly: If your internet feels unusually slow, your devices accidentally shut off either your streaming buffers more than usual, it may mean something wrong. Go to the router settings and check the list of connected devices. If you see what you don’t know, it may be a sign of disturbance. In this case, update the firmware, change the passwords and restart the router. If you are not convenient to do it yourself, call the Internet provider for help.
6) Reporting by the authorities: FBI asks that victims or those suspected of compromise reports on incidents Internet Center complaints about crimeWhat can help the authorities track and mitigate wider threats.
Kurt’s key output
It’s not just about asking everyone to upgrade the old equipment. It is about the big problem of who is actually responsible when outdated devices turn into a risk risk. Most people do not think twice about the router sitting in the corner, quietly performing the years of work for their most prosperous. But the attackers do. They see forgotten equipment as simple goals. The real problem is not just technical. It is about how manufacturers, service providers and users cope with the long tail of aging technology that still live in the real world.
Should the manufacturers be held accountable for maintaining routers from cyber -spagrosis? Tell us by writing us in Cyberguy.com/contact.
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