TL;DR
Yes, home routers can get infected with viruses and malware. This lets hackers steal your data, control your devices, or use your internet connection for illegal activities. Keeping your router’s firmware updated, using a strong password, and enabling security features are the best ways to protect yourself.
How Routers Get Infected
- Weak Passwords: The most common way routers get hacked is through easy-to-guess passwords (like ‘admin’ or ‘password’).
- Outdated Firmware: Router manufacturers release updates to fix security holes. If you don’t update, hackers can exploit those weaknesses.
- Malicious Websites: Visiting infected websites can sometimes lead to router infections, especially if your router is vulnerable.
- Phishing Attacks: Hackers might try to trick you into entering your router login details on a fake website.
Checking for Router Infection
It’s not always easy to tell if your router is infected, but here are some signs:
- Slow Internet Speed: A virus might be using your bandwidth.
- Strange Redirects: Being taken to unexpected websites when you type in a normal address.
- Unusual Router Settings Changes: If settings have changed without you making them, that’s a red flag. Check the router’s admin interface.
- Devices Acting Strangely: Unexpected behaviour from your phones, computers or smart home devices.
How to Protect Your Router
- Change the Default Password: This is crucial. Use a strong password with letters, numbers and symbols.
# Example of a strong password (don't use this exactly - make your own!)Example: P@$$wOrd123!
- Update Router Firmware Regularly: Most routers have an automatic update feature. Enable it if available.
- To manually check, log into your router’s admin interface (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser).
- Look for a section called ‘Firmware Update’, ‘Router Upgrade’, or similar.
- Enable Router Firewall: Most routers have a built-in firewall – make sure it’s turned on.
- Again, check the router’s admin interface for firewall settings.
- Disable Remote Management (if you don’t need it): This prevents hackers from accessing your router remotely.
# Find this setting in your router's admin panel - disable if unused - Enable WPA3 Encryption: Use the strongest Wi-Fi security protocol available (WPA3 is best, but WPA2 is okay if WPA3 isn’t supported).
- This setting is usually found in the ‘Wireless’ or ‘Wi-Fi Settings’ section of your router admin interface.
- Use a Unique SSID (Network Name): Avoid using default network names.
- Consider Router Security Software: Some companies offer security software specifically for routers, but be careful to choose reputable providers.
What to Do If You Think Your Router Is Infected
- Disconnect from the Internet: This stops the infection from spreading.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple reboot can sometimes clear minor infections, but it’s not a guaranteed fix.
- Factory Reset Your Router: Warning: This will erase all your settings! You’ll need to set up your router again from scratch.
- Look for a small reset button on the back of your router (you usually need a pin or paperclip).
- Hold the button down for about 10-30 seconds while the router is powered on.
- Change All Your Passwords: After resetting, change all passwords for your Wi-Fi network and online accounts.
- Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP): They may be able to offer further assistance or detect malicious activity on your connection.
Protecting your router is a key part of overall cyber security.