Asus and Linksys Router Firmware Susceptible to Hacks

Thousands of internet users are at risk of malicious attacks and data theft due to security loopholes in their router’s firmware. Security experts have found evidence that at least 1,000 home and small office Linksys routers have already been affected by a malicious worm which self-replicates by taking advantage of code execution vulnerabilities in the device’s original firmware. Models at risk include the Linksys E1000, E1200 and the E2400.

ASUS routers affected

This was followed shortly afterwards by Kyle Lovett’s revelations that ASUS routers were susceptible to attack due to faulty firmware that was putting users’ security at risk. The weakness was linked to a service known as infosvr which gives administrators the ability to find/configure routers on a network.

He was prompted to publish the information on the security exploit after contacting ASUS and being told that the problem was not considered to be an issue. ASUS models which are potentially affected are the RT-AC66R, RT-N66R, RT-AC66U, RT-N66U, RT-N56R, RT-AC56U, RT-N14U, RT-N56U and the RT-N16/RT-N16R.

What risks does a compromised router pose?

What can I do to prevent attacks?

The unifying thread running through these router’s potential vulnerabilities is improperly secured firmware. Changing the default firmware on the router to an alternative such as DD-WRT or Tomato removes the device specific risks and gives users a much more stable and secure router with both programs offering enhanced security options for users to enjoy.

Users that are sufficiently tech-savvy can flash their own firmware to one of the aforementioned products and remove this risk of attack. However as with flashing any device, it is entirely possible to brick your router if you do not fully understand what steps you need to take in order to do so. Follow the maxim “If in doubt – don’t”. If you want a safe router running DD-WRT or Tomato firmware without having to go through the hassle of flashing it yourself, you can always rely on services such as FlashRouters that will flash your router for you and make it compatible with various VPN services.

Getting a flashed router

Flashing your device will also mean that you invalidate your warranty. When choosing for one of the flashed routers with a provider like FlashRouters you can get a replacement warranty on your device by this router specialist. Furthermore there is a vast choice of routers available and you can have the VPN solution of your choice pre-installed on it. So when you get your flashed router out of the box, you’re all set to unlock all of the internet while enjoying maximum security.