Your router plays multiple roles in keeping your home network together. Not only does it connect all of your gadgets to the web, but it also acts as a gateway for the data that comes and goes from the rest of the internet. As a result, it’s the perfect target for malicious hackers that want to take down all of your devices.
This is the reason why we strongly recommend doing as much as you can to secure your router. Of all the devices in your home, aside from your computer, it’s probably the biggest target. Tap or click here to see the surefire ways to keep hackers out of your router.
When a security flaw is discovered in network devices like routers, it can spell disaster for internet users across the globe. And now, a bug has been found in 79 different popular router models that can allow hackers to take over your devices remotely. We have the complete list of affected routers, as well as what you can do to protect your network.
NETGEAR routers suffer from dangerous security flaw
According to reports from ZDNet, a critical security flaw has been detected in 79 different NETGEAR routers that can allow hackers remote access to your devices. The bug was identified by two independent security researchers and confirmed by a detailed proof-of-concept test that showed the exploit in action.
The issue, apparently, lies in how affected routers handle administrator settings. These routers fail to properly protect user input like passwords and settings, which means hackers can easily inject malicious requests that bypass your router’s security.
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Thankfully, the researchers pointed NETGEAR to the flaws, and the company has pledged to release a series of patches to protect these routers from compromise. Unfortunately, we don’t have a set date as to when these patches will materialize, and NETGEAR acknowledges that several older routers may not even receive patches in the first place.
Good grief, can’t these hackers just give us a break already? We’re already dealing with an unprecedented spike in cybercrime as it is. In their minds, they’re probably choosing to strike while the iron is hot rather than let an opportunity slip by. Tap or click to find out why phishing attacks are increasing and how to protect against them.
Which routers are affected? What can I do to protect myself.
In a twist of good fortune, we have a list of all the NETGEAR routers currently affected by the bug. You can confirm if your router number matches any of these by checking the bottom of your device where the barcodes and network information is found.
AC1450
EX6920
R6900
WN3500RP
D6220
EX7000
R6900P
WNCE3001
D6300
LG2200D
R7000
WNDR3300
D6400
MBM621
R7000P
WNDR3300v2
D7000v2
MBR624GU
R7100LG
WNDR3400
D8500
MBR1200
R7300
WNDR3400v2
DC112A
MBR1515
R7850
WNDR3400v3
DGN2200
MBR1516
R7900
WNDR3700v3
DGN2200v4
MBRN3000
R8000
WNDR4000
DGN2200M
MVBR1210C
R8300
WNDR4500
DGND3700
R4500
R8500
WNDR4500v2
EX3700
R6200
RS400
WNR834Bv2
EX3800
R6200v2
WGR614v8
WNR1000v3
EX3920
R6250
WGR614v9
WNR2000v2
EX6000
R6300
WGR614v10
WNR3500
EX6100
R6300v2
WGT624v4
WNR3500v2
EX6120
R6400
WN2500RP
WNR3500L
EX6130
R6400v2
WN2500RPv2
WNR3500Lv2
EX6150
R6700
WN3000RP
XR300
EX6200
R6700v3
WN3100RP
Since no updates or patches are available yet, you may be waiting for some time before your router is fully safe to use. In the meantime, you can check for updates by following these steps below:
Open your router’s admin page by typing your IP address into your address bar. You will then be asked to enter your admin username and password. These can usually be found in the user guide for your router, but if you don’t have this information, there are sites that can help you figure it out. Tap or click here for a list of default passwords for 548 router brands.
Once you’re logged in, locate a section called Advanced or Management to look for firmware updates.
If an update is available, download and install it to your device.
Check if updates are available every couple of weeks or so until the patch is available. If your router is more than five years old, however, you might need to pick up a brand new one to stay safe. Tap or click here to see Kim’s favorite brand of router.
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Until the patches are fully available, use your best judgment when browsing the web. Make sure to avoid any unusual or unfamiliar websites during your sessions, and be especially careful of email attachments that could put your computer and network at risk. At this point in time, it’s just not worth tempting fate.
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