Can routers get viruses? It’s no secret that our reliance on technology has made us a prime target for cybercriminals. With more and more of our lives moving online, it’s important to make sure that our devices are as protected as possible.
One of the most vulnerable devices in your home is your router. Routers are the gateway to your network and are often left unprotected. This makes them an easy target for cybercriminals who can use them to gain access to all of your data.
Edon Lazaj is here to help you answer your question. You will know how a router can get a virus and how to protect your routers from viruses.
Can routers get viruses?
How can your router get viruses?
There are a few ways that your router can get infected with viruses. One way is if you connect to an infected network. This can happen if you have an unprotected Wi-Fi connection at home or if you connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot that has been compromised. Another way is if you download firmware or other software from untrustworthy sources. Once again, this can happen either at home or when using public Wi-Fi. Finally, your router can be infected by malicious code that is embedded in websites that you visit.
Router virus examples
Some of the most common router viruses include the SSH worm, which can allow attackers to remotely control your router; the Mirai botnet virus, which can be used to launch denial-of-service attacks; and the Satori botnet virus, which is similar to Mirai but is more sophisticated and dangerous.
What could Happen If your Router Is Hacked?
If your router is hacked, the attacker could gain access to all the devices on your network, including computers, laptops, smartphones, and smart TVs. They could then use this access to steal your personal data or launch attacks against other devices and networks.
How to determine if a router is infected with malware
Signs that a router is infected
There are a few signs that may indicate that your router has been infected with a virus.
Unknown programs on your device
One sign that your router has been infected is the presence of unknown programs or files. If you see anything on your router that you don’t recognize, it’s a good indication that something is not right.
Changes in performance
Another sign that your router may be infected is a change in performance. If your router starts acting up or seems slower than usual, it could be a sign that it has been infected.
Unusual activity
If you notice any unusual activity on your network, such as strange messages or unexpected traffic, it could be a sign that your router has been compromised.
Fake antivirus messages appear
If you see fake antivirus messages or other pop-ups appear, it could be a sign that your router has been infected. These messages are designed to trick you into clicking on them and downloading more malicious software.
You can’t access certain services or websites
If you can’t access certain services or websites, it could be because your router has been infected with a virus that is blocking those sites.
Conduct a check for viruses on the router
If you think your router is infected, use a router checker tool to scan your router for malware. These tools are designed to detect and remove viruses from your router.
A good virus removal tool can watch for viruses and other malware that might try to infect your router. It can also scan any files you download before they are saved to your device, which can prevent malicious software from being installed in the first place.
Check DNS settings
If you think your router might be infected, it’s a good idea to check the DNS settings.
If you see any DNS settings that you don’t recognize, it’s a good indication that your router has been compromised.
Remove viruses from your router
If you think your router may be infected, there are a few things you can do to remove the viruses and get your router back to normal.
Update your router’s firmware
One of the first things you should do is update your router’s firmware. Firmware updates can often times fix security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by viruses. You should check your router manufacturer’s website to see if there are any new firmware updates available.
Reset your router to factory defaults
If updating your firmware doesn’t work, you can try resetting your router to its factory defaults. This will erase all of the customizations you have made, but it will also remove any viruses that may have been on your router. To reset your router, you will need to consult your router’s manual for instructions.
Replace your router
If you have tried updating your firmware and resetting your router to no avail, you may need to replace your router. This should be a last resort, as it can be costly. But if your router is truly infected and you can’t get rid of the viruses, replacing it may be the only option.
Next are some ways to prevent your router from being infected. By taking these preventive measures, you can help protect your router from being infected with a virus.
Preventing viruses on your router
The best way to protect your router from viruses is to take preventive measures.
Keep your router up to date
One of the best things you can do is keep your router up to date. As mentioned before, updates can often times fix security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited by viruses. So make sure you check for updates regularly and install them as soon as they are available.
Use a strong password
Another way to protect your router is to use a strong password. Attackers will often try to brute force their way into routers by trying common passwords. So make sure you use a strong and unique password for your router.
Change the default SSID
Another good security measure is to change the default SSID (Service Set Identifier). The SSID is the name of your network, and many routers come with a default SSID that is easy to guess. So changing it to something more unique can help deter attackers.
Disable remote access
If you don’t need remote access to your router, you should disable it. This will prevent attackers from being able to remotely control your router.
Keep your antivirus up to date
Make sure you have an antivirus program installed on your computer and that it is always up to date. This will help protect your computer from any viruses that may be trying to attack through your router.
F.A.Q can routers get viruses
How do I check my router for a virus?
To check your router for a virus, you can check the DNS settings. If you see any DNS settings that you don’t recognize, it’s a good indication that your router has been compromised.
Can viruses affect Wi-Fi?
Yes, viruses can affect Wi-Fi. If your router is infected with a virus, it may be able to spread that virus to any devices that are connected to the Wi-Fi network.
Do I need antivirus for my router?
No, you don’t need antivirus for your router. However, you should have an antivirus program installed on your computer and keep it up to date. This will help protect your computer from any viruses that may be trying to attack through your router.
Are Wi-Fi routers safe?
Wi-Fi routers are generally safe. However, there are always security risks involved with any type of technology. So it’s important to take precautions to protect your router from being compromised.
Conclusion
Viruses are a big concern for computer users, but what about other devices on your network? Can routers get viruses? The answer is yes, routers can become infected with malware and viruses. In fact, router infections are becoming more common as hackers target these devices to gain access to your network. If you use a router for your home or office network, it’s important to take steps to protect it from infection. Thanks for reading!