9 popular routers are at risk - See if yours is on the list
Your router is arguably the most critical component in your internet network. It serves as the primary point where all wireless devices connect and download information. A vulnerability in the router’s software could spell disaster. Tap or click here if you are sick of slow Wi-Fi speeds.
That’s why it’s critical to ensure your router has the latest firmware updates installed. It is one of the first protections against malware and hackers. But these updates only protect your router from known threats.
Fortunately, there are security researchers worldwide who work tirelessly to discover flaws and vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. Read on to see how popular routers were recently found to have more than 200 security flaws collectively and how to protect yours.
Here’s the backstory
Security updates are regularly released for routers, mobile devices and computers. But a German IT magazine recently teamed up with security researchers and found multiple problems in popular routers.
CHIP looked at nine different popular routers, putting them all through rigorous tests. When the results were in, a shocking number of 226 security vulnerabilities were discovered.
Impacted routers include:
- Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
- AVM FritzBox 7530 AX
- AVM FritzBox 7590 AX
- D-Link DIR-X5460
- Edimax BR-6473AX
- Linksys Velop MR9600
- Netgear Nighthawk
- AX12 Synology RT-2600ac
- TP-Link Archer AX6000
While some routers only had a few vulnerabilities, the worst offenders were the TP-Link Archer AX6000 with 32 flaws and the Synology RT-2600ac with 30 flaws. The report didn’t detail exact vulnerabilities, but the publication did release the information to the router manufacturers.
What you can do about it
After the results were shared with the router manufacturers, all but one released security patches and firmware updates. To make it more difficult for hackers to access your network and personal information, there are a couple of things you can do.
The first step is to ensure your router has the most recent firmware update installed. Here’s how: