FBI unveils China’s fresh cyber menaces at home router doors

TLDR:

The FBI has warned that Chinese hackers are targeting certain internet routers and using them to launch cyberattacks on critical US infrastructure. The attacks specifically target older routers with outdated security made by Cisco and NetGear. The FBI announced that they have taken down “hundreds” of infected routers in home and small business networks. To protect against these attacks, users are advised to regularly update their routers, disable remote access, and consider replacing routers that are 10-15 years old. Additionally, recent cyberattacks linked to China have exploited technology that allows remote login, potentially compromising logins and passwords.

The FBI has issued a warning that Chinese hackers are using certain internet routers to launch cyberattacks on critical US infrastructure. The attacks specifically target older routers with outdated security made by Cisco and NetGear. Hackers can secretly install malware on these routers and use them to compromise US defense and government agencies, as well as other critical infrastructure such as water treatment plants, electrical grids, and transportation systems.

To combat these attacks, the FBI has taken down “hundreds” of infected routers in home and small business networks. Users are advised to regularly update their routers and ensure that remote access is turned off. Additionally, those with routers that are 10-15 years old may want to consider replacing them with newer models.

This is not the only form of cyberattack linked to China. In December, cybersecurity firm Volexity discovered that Chinese hackers were exploiting technology made by Ivanti to gain remote access to organizational networks. This intrusion potentially exposes logins and passwords and allows hackers to access sensitive information.

The FBI recommends reporting any suspected router hacks to their website at www.ic3.gov.

Key takeaways:

• Chinese hackers are using certain internet routers to launch cyberattacks on critical US infrastructure.
• The attacks target older routers with outdated security made by Cisco and NetGear.
• To protect against these attacks, users should update their routers, turn off remote access, and consider replacing routers that are 10-15 years old.
• Recent cyberattacks linked to China have exploited technology that allows remote login, compromising logins and passwords.
• Suspected router hacks should be reported to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.