The FBI says your Wi-Fi network could be a target for hackers. If you don’t know how old your Wi-Fi router is, you might be at risk. The problem is that firmware can become outdated as companies stop providing support for older, “end-of-life” router models. Cybercriminals can then exploit known vulnerabilities to gain root access, listen to network traffic, or quietly turn the device into a bot. In many cases, these security exploits don't even require the hacker to have your Wi-Fi password to install malware onto your router. So, which routers are a problem? The FBI bulletin specifically named older Linksys routers that are no longer receiving software patches or security updates. Here’s the full list of router models at risk:
Linksys E1200
Linksys E2500
Linksys E1000
Linksys E1500
Linksys E1550
Linksys E3200
Linksys WRT320N
Linksys WRT310N
What should you do if you have one of these routers? Simple: replace the outdated router with a new one. When buying a new router, it’s vital to get one that supports the latest encryption standards. Today, that’s WPA3. If you think your router may have been hacked, double-check all of your personal accounts for signs of illicit access. See which devices and locations have logged into those accounts. Also change the router’s default admin name and password. In the future, replace your router every 3-7 years.
