The FBI Says, Reboot Your Router…Now!
Not to alarm you or anything, but according to the FBI...you might want to reboot your router like NOW! And yes, it's got something to do with the Russians!
If you have a wireless Internet router in your home, you need to turn it off and turn it back on as soon as possible.
The FBI is urging all households and businesses to do the simple reboot to avoid being compromised by Russian-linked cyber attackers. The attackers are using VPNFilter Malware to gain access to consumer routers and making them inoperable. A public service announcement from the FBI warns, "The malware can potentially also collect information passing through the router. Detection and analysis of the malware’s network activity is complicated by its use of encryption and misattributable networks."
The VPNFilter malware can effect routers made by Linksys, Mikrotik and Netgear. The fix is as easy as turning it off and back on. If that doesn't work, it should be reset and wiped clean. (CBS News)
FBI urges internet users to reboot their routers to stop Russia-linked malware
The same group that hacked the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 presidential election is now taking aim at the internet routers of everyday Americans, and the FBI put out an urgent message on Friday in the hopes of stopping it. The instructions are fairly simple: switch your router off, then turn it back on.