FBI Issues Warning About Old Routers
The FBI has issued a warning about a serious cybersecurity risk that many people don’t even know exists. It involves outdated routers—those devices that connect homes and offices to the internet. When routers get too old, the companies that made them usually stop updating them with security patches. These are called End-of-Life (EOL) routers. Without updates, these devices become easy targets for cybercriminals.
Hackers are now focusing on these old routers because they are often left unprotected. Once inside, hackers can use the infected routers to carry out their attacks while hiding their real location. According to the FBI, these attackers are using a dangerous type of malware called TheMoon. This malware can turn any vulnerable router into a secret tool used for cybercrime.
The problem is that most people wouldn’t even realize their router has been hijacked. It may continue to work normally, which makes the threat even harder to detect. While everything appears fine, the router could quietly be helping criminals steal information, spy on users, or launch attacks on other networks.
How Hackers Are Using The Moon Malware
TheMoon malware has been active for more than ten years. Over time, it has changed and grown smarter, learning how to break into many different types of routers. It searches the internet for routers that are not protected, especially those with certain ports left open. These open ports are like unlocked doors that allow outside communication.
When the malware finds an old and unprotected router, it sends special commands that don’t need a password. Once inside, it connects the infected router to a command-and-control server. This server acts like a remote brain, telling the router what to do next. The router becomes part of a hidden network, known as a botnet, controlled by the hackers.
XorDDoS Malware Now Strikes Docker and IoT Devices with Greater Force
One of the main jobs of these infected routers is to act as a proxy. A proxy is something that hides the real identity of a person online. When a hacker uses a proxy, their actual location is hidden. Instead, it looks like the activity is coming from the infected router. This makes it harder for law enforcement to track down the real criminals. In many cases, these infected routers are used to send harmful messages, steal data, or commit crimes while protecting the identity of the hackers.
The signs of a compromised router can be very small. Some users might notice that their internet is slower than usual, or that their router feels hot to the touch. Others might see strange changes in settings, or unfamiliar devices connected to their network. But because these signs are easy to miss, many people ignore them, leaving their devices vulnerable for months or even years.
How to Protect Yourself From This Hidden Risk
The FBI has shared clear steps to help people and businesses protect their networks from hijackers. The most important step is to stop using outdated routers. People should replace any router built more than 10 or 15 years ago, or one that no longer receives updates from its manufacturer, as soon as possible. Older devices are more likely to have holes that hackers can easily exploit.
Another important step is to disable remote administration. This feature, often left on by default, lets someone access the router from outside the home or office. While this might be useful in some cases, it also creates a big opening for cybercriminals. Turning off this setting makes it much harder for outsiders to take control of the device.
It’s also vital to make sure that any router still in use is running the latest firmware. Firmware updates help fix problems that hackers might use to break in. Some routers let users turn on automatic updates, while others require you to check manually.
Krispy Kreme Cyber Attack Exposes Data of 160000 People
Changing the default username and password on the router is another essential move. Many routers come with simple logins like “admin” or “password.” Hackers know this and use it to get easy access. A strong password that’s long and includes letters, numbers, and symbols makes it much harder to break in.
Lastly, people should pay attention to signs that something might be wrong. If the internet suddenly becomes slow, if unfamiliar devices appear on the network, or if the router acts strangely, it could mean the device is already under someone else’s control. In those cases, the FBI advises updating the firmware, changing the passwords, restarting the router, and reporting the issue.
Outdated routers may look harmless, but they can be used as powerful tools in the hands of cybercriminals. The FBI’s message is clear: take action now to protect your network before it’s too late.
