The FBI is urging U.S. citizens to upgrade their old Internet routers at once because cyber criminals are taking control of these devices to load malicious software and carry out illegal activities via people’s home and office networks unbeknownst to them.
the agency announced
.
In the new alert, federal agents said criminals are targeting “end of life” routers—older models no longer supported by manufacturers with security updates—and infecting them with a variant of TheMoon malware. The infected devices are then used as proxy servers, allowing criminals to mask their real locations while committing online crimes ranging from financial theft to illegal transactions on the dark web, the FBI said.
The
FBI explained
Many older internet routers are no longer maintained by their manufacturers, so these devices do not receive security updates. The FBI has cautioned that once attackers gain entry, they can install malicious software that enables them to seize control of the router.
Hackers utilize the commandeered routers for various purposes—including initiating cyber-attacks or offering access to these devices via platforms such as 5Socks and Anyproxy, according to the FBI. This enables individuals to conceal their online identities or engage in illicit activities undetected.
The Moon malware, which was initially discovered in 2014, has undergone significant development recently according to the FBI. The agency stated that this malicious software now searches for unprotected ports on susceptible routers and manages to install itself without requiring any passwords. After gaining entry, the malware can propagate across various systems undetected, facilitating illicit activities covertly. This leaves individuals oblivious to the fact that their network has become an unwitting participant in these nefarious operations, as noted by the FBI.
The FBI stated that routers manufactured in 2010 or before are highly susceptible, particularly when remote management is activated. Numerous users might be unaware that their equipment is obsolete or lacks necessary firmware protection, rendering these devices prime targets.
The FBI cautioned that warning signs of a potentially compromised router encompass excessive heating, unexpected alterations in settings, or inconsistent internet performance.
The routers with these models are particularly susceptible to takeover:
E1200, E2500, E1000, E4200, E1500, E300, E3200, WRT320N, E1550, WRT610N, E100, M10 and WRT310N.
The FBI is advising both consumers and companies to upgrade their outdated routers with more recent versions, turn off remote management capabilities, apply all available security updates, and employ robust, unique passwords. Should you suspect that your router might have been compromised, inform authorities about any unusual behavior.
The FBI’s Online Crime Reporting Center
.
Kaylee Remington is a trending news and metro reporter for
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