All articles tagged with #routers
The FBI has issued a warning against 13 specific older router models, mainly from Linksys/Cisco, that are vulnerable to malware called TheMoon, which can be exploited to control devices and hide malicious activity. Users with these models should consider replacing them, especially if they haven't received updates, to avoid security risks.
A cyberattack last year disabled over 600,000 internet routers across several Midwest states, with new research identifying the malware as "Chalubo." The attack targeted ActionTec routers, and the affected ISP is believed to be Windstream. The incident was not disclosed at the time, and the exact method of the attack remains unclear. Black Lotus Labs recommends securing management devices and avoiding basic security weaknesses.
Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless standard offering incredibly fast connections, currently available in the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and Mexico, with a projected 2.1 billion devices by 2028. The new technology introduces 320MHz channels, Multi-Link Operation, deterministic latency, and 4K QAM, but requires a compatible router, with prices ranging from $300 to over $1,000. While offering impressive performance, the cost of entry and limited availability in some countries are factors to consider.
The FBI warns of a new cyberthreat from China targeting home internet routers, with hackers exploiting older models from Cisco and NetGear to install malware and potentially launch cyberattacks on critical U.S. infrastructure. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the risk posed to American citizens and communities, urging regular router updates and disabling remote access to protect against these attacks. Additionally, Chinese hackers have been found exploiting remote login technology, prompting federal agencies to disconnect and install patches to prevent further intrusions.
OpenWrt, the open source firmware, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is proposing a "fully upstream supported hardware design" to ensure future-proof router hardware without the need for "binary blobs." The proposed "OpenWrt One" board aims to be affordable, with publicly available schematics and code, but will not be produced or sold by OpenWrt. The group is looking to Banana Pi makers for distribution, with proceeds going to the Software Freedom Conservancy. The proposed design has sparked questions and discussions among community members, with some expressing interest in features like ethernet ports and PoE support.
Google has removed the Google Wifi and Nest Wifi routers from its store, possibly in anticipation of a new model. Last year, Google introduced the Nest Wifi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and Matter support, and it's speculated that a new Nest Wifi model codenamed "Brezza" may be on the horizon. While the older hardware is still available at other retailers, stock is expected to deplete in the coming weeks.
The Wi-Fi Alliance has started certifying Wi-Fi 7 devices, with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Intel BE200 card in laptops being among the first to receive certification. Wi-Fi 7 promises faster throughput and improved interference handling, but the standard has not been finalized, and there are currently only a few Wi-Fi 7 routers available for sale. TP-Link's Deco BE85 mesh router and Archer BE800 are the only consumer-grade Wi-Fi 7 routers on the market, offering faster, more stable wireless connections but at a premium price.
While AI dominated CES 2024, Wi-Fi 7 quietly made its mark, offering faster and more reliable connections for gaming laptops. This upgrade allows for better performance on busy networks, with laptops now supporting the new standard. However, early models with Wi-Fi 7 are pricey, with options from Razer and MSI costing thousands of dollars, but more affordable models from Lenovo and HP are on the horizon. Despite the focus on gaming laptops, Asus surprisingly did not include Wi-Fi 7 in its CES lineup. Additionally, Wi-Fi 7 routers are also hitting the market, providing the necessary infrastructure for the new standard.
Wi-Fi 7 devices can now be certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, offering higher throughput, linked wireless bands for better stability, and reduced latency. The new standard allows for 320 MHz of channel bandwidth, Multi-Link Operation across 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz connections, and Multi-Resource-Unit Puncturing, potentially achieving a 5.8Gbps connection and a maximum throughput of roughly 36Gbps. Manufacturers are already touting devices pending its certification, and while consumer-level devices may not provide the full connectivity potential, Wi-Fi 7 offers significant upgrade incentives over prior generations.
Ahead of CES in Las Vegas, retailers are offering significant discounts on tech products to clear out old stock. Deals include price cuts on Apple's basic iPad with a USB-C port and A14 Bionic chip, the first-ever OnePlus Pad tablet, budget-friendly laptops like the IdeaPad 5 and Asus Zenbook 14, gaming laptops such as the Lenovo Legion 5 and Asus ROG, and fitness trackers like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Fitbit. Additionally, there are deals on routers, including the Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro and the gamer-focused Rapture GT. These promotions provide an opportunity to upgrade tech gear before the latest gadgets are unveiled at CES.
The best Wi-Fi 7 routers offer the latest wireless standard with upgrades like wider data channels and Multi-Link Operation. The Netgear Orbi RBE973 is the best overall Wi-Fi 7 router, while the TP-Link Deco BE85 is the best for fiber internet. The TP-Link Archer BE800 offers great value with a unique form factor, the Netgear Nighthawk RS700S is best for mid-range distances, and the eero Max 7 is the best for simplicity. Factors to consider when choosing a Wi-Fi 7 router include price, range, ports, and design.
Wi-Fi 7, the latest upgrade to wireless technology, promises faster speeds and improved stability. It operates on the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, offering more potential bandwidth and using signal modulation tricks to deal with congestion. Wi-Fi 7 routers will still work with older devices, but the full benefits will be realized as more devices support the new standard. The spec is not yet finalized, and routers currently available may lack key features or optimizations. Additionally, early Wi-Fi 7 routers are expected to be expensive. It is recommended to wait until the spec is finalized and more devices support it before investing in a Wi-Fi 7 router.
Three critical remote code execution vulnerabilities have been discovered in ASUS RT-AX55, RT-AX56U_V2, and RT-AC86U routers, potentially allowing attackers to take control of the devices. The flaws, which have a severity score of 9.8 out of 10, are format string vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely and without authentication. ASUS has released firmware updates to address the vulnerabilities, and users are advised to apply the updates and disable remote administration to prevent unauthorized access.
Asus has released a critical firmware update for 19 of its wireless routers that fixes nine serious security flaws as well as 17 other vulnerabilities. Of the nine security flaws it fixes, at least two are critical bugs that could allow an attacker to execute code or trigger a DDoS attack. The vulnerable routers requiring the update include the GT6, GT-AXE16000, GT-AX11000 PRO, GT-AXE11000, GT-AX6000, GT-AX11000, GS-AX5400, GS-AX3000, ZenWiFi XT9, ZenWiFi XT8, ZenWiFi XT8 V2, RT-AX86U PRO, RT-AX86U, RT-AX86S, RT-AX82U, RT-AX58U, RT-AX3000, TUF-AX6000, and TUF-AX5400. Asus strongly recommends installing the firmware update to avoid potential unwanted intrusions.
Microsoft recommends changing the Wi-Fi channel to improve router speed, which can be done through the router's configuration page. Most routers have 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands with different channels, and it's useful to avoid busy channels. The 2.4GHz band is better for reach, while the 5GHz band offers higher speeds at a lower range. Letting the router pick the channel is recommended for 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi.