The FBI has issued a warning about the increasing risks associated with using home routers, stating they are attractive targets for cybercriminals due to widespread vulnerabilities and often weak security configurations. Hackers exploit these weaknesses to conduct a variety of malicious activities, including stealing personal data, conducting surveillance, and launching large-scale attacks on other networks.
The warning emphasizes that many users neglect to change default router passwords, leaving them easily accessible to hackers. Additionally, outdated firmware can contain known security flaws that criminals can exploit. Compromised routers can be used to redirect users to phishing websites designed to steal credentials, install malware, or participate in botnets for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
The FBI urges individuals and businesses to take proactive steps to secure their home routers. These steps include changing the default username and password to strong, unique ones, regularly updating the router’s firmware to the latest version, disabling remote access if it’s not needed, and enabling the router’s firewall. They also recommend using strong encryption protocols (WPA2 or WPA3) for Wi-Fi networks and considering the use of a virtual private network (VPN) for added security, especially when accessing sensitive information. Finally, the FBI advises users to monitor their router logs for suspicious activity and to disconnect the router from the internet when not in use.
find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/fbi-issues-warning-home-internet-072019380.html