Raise your hands if you’re aware of the FBI’s directive to the public to reboot their routers. Raise your hands if you have actually rebooted yours. If you have no clue as to what we’re talking about or why you should even care – even a little – we’re going to break it down.
The majority of homes have routers set up for internet service, and once installed, we don’t really give them much thought. However, last week, the FBI issued a PSA telling us to reboot our office and home routers. The reason? Suspicious malware from a foreign entity.
The announcement warns that potentially hundreds of thousands of routers and network access storage devices could become infected with malware, leaving them inoperable. This means no internet. Figures from the Department of Justice say that over half a million devices have already been affected worldwide by VPN Filter malware.
This malware is thought to be linked to Russian intelligence hackers. As well as being able to shut down devices, it also has the capability to steal passwords and log-in information. Security specialists have found that devices by Netgear, MikroTik, TP-Link, and Linksys are among those infected.
According to the Department of Justice, the group responsible for this attack is the Sofacy Group, who have a number of aliases. They are not new to web attacks and they have been targeting governments, businesses, and military agencies for years.
The Department of Justice’s investigation has uncovered domain information which will help to identify the sources of the cyber-attacks as well as the victims. However, instead of waiting to find out if you’ve been hit, you should lessen your own risk.
Updating your router will eradicate the infectious malware, and the FBI also advises disabling the remote management settings on your device. Doing so will delete the second and third stages of the malware, which rolls out in three stages.
The first stage acts as an anchor and opens the door for the second and third parts to take hold. Updating your device will provide the best security protections to ensure that you’re not left vulnerable.
So, what steps do you need to take? The quickest thing to do is unplug it, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. For those devices that have an app, go the extra mile and install all updates for it. If you’re not quite sure how to do this, check with your device’s manufacturer or internet service provider for instructions.
If you happen to have an older router that’s been around for more than a decade, you might want to replace it altogether with a more current one. Technology is very convenient, but it’s important that you protect yourself to maintain that convenience.
Source: tiphero
Images: depositphotos
Before Discarding Your Old Router, Listen to These Tips
Planning to discard your old router? Don't. It can still come in handy in many interesting ways.
6 Communications Apps That Are Just As Good As Skype!
If Skype doesn’t work well on your devices, or you just don’t like it, this guide will provide you with some of the best free Skype alternatives.
Improve Your Computer Skills with These 8 Great Websites
Nowadays, more and more senior citizens want to learn how to use a computer and the internet. These 8 websites are very handy when it comes down to this!
5 Useful Tips to Optimize Windows 10’s Microsoft Defender
Windows 10 users should take note of these helpful tips to unlock some of the little-known features of Microsoft Defender.
5G: How It Works and Why It Isn’t All That Scary
The term "5G" is everywhere. This video explains what 5G really is, how it actually works, and why it’s safe.
9 Interesting Facts Everyone Should Know About HPV
Over 20 million Americans are infected with HPV. Here are 9 facts we should all know about this potentially dangerous virus.
Why Was Hannibal Considered Rome’s Most Dangerous Enemy?
Get to learn some little-known facts about Hannibal Barca, one of the greatest generals in history and a complicated historical figure.
Fascinating - Real CIA Experiments of Psychic Powers
There is a US army unit investigating the potential of psychic phenomena. Yes, this is a true story. Learn about their most fundamental experiment here.
16 Small Treasures People Found by Chance
When you open your eyes, the chances of finding something amazing and unexpected increase by the minute. Here are 16 unique objects people found by chance.
What Is Life Like in Japan? These 15 Facts Will Tell You
Japan has a number of cultural differences. Here are 15 intriguing facts about this countries.
Nothing as Satisfying as a Good Before & After!
When credit is due, we know how to pay our respects - We hope you'll enjoy these home renovations as much as we did!
12 Practical Infographics You’ll Want to Save For Later
You’ll surely enjoy this collection of charts. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge about our health, nature, and human society.
10 Unusual ANIMAL Sayings and Their Intriguing Origins
Enjoy this collection of funny, weird, and amazing animal-related idioms from different languages.
Why Are Macadamia Nuts Twice As Expensive As Other Nuts?
Macadamia nuts cost twice as much as ordinary nuts, but their buttery flavor isn't the reason why they're so pricy...
Eye-Opening Stories From Real Survivors of the Titanic
Listen to some fascinating and little-known stories about the Titanic from survivors.
How a Principal Inspired Students With a Dance Routine
To make his students do more exercise, a Chinese principal asked them to dance…
11 Clever Contronyms - Same Word, Opposite Meanings
Have you ever heard of contronyms? Here’s a hint - these are words that contradict themselves.
These Dancers Just Pulled Off the Most IMPOSSIBLE Moves
Take a look at this amazing compilation of the most talented dancers pulling off insane level moves.
What Are the Odds?! - 20 Creepy Historical Coincidences
These are some of the creepiest, and most spine-chilling coincidental occurrences in history...
Learn Some New Things With These Engaging Charts & Guides
Learn some fascinating new things with these random but useful infographics.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
Time Travel Back 122 Years to the Beaches of France
Take a trip to the beaches of Normandy, France, in 1899...
You’re Wrong About These 10 Historical “Facts”
We list 10 common beliefs about famous historical figures and places that were all wildly misconstrued - from Julius Caesar’s birth to the black ninja uniform.
You Can’t Afford to Miss These Classic Summer Movies
Can't go to the movies this summer? Don't worry. Check out these classic summer films instead!
Using These French Phrases in English Elevates Your Speech
Even if English is the only language you speak, we’re more than convinced that you’re quite familiar with a bunch of French words...
Have We Been Imagining Dinosaurs All Wrong?
For all we know, many dinos probably were much prettier than we think...
6 Facts You May Have Not Known About Prince Charles
Did you ever know Prince Charles also dabbles in art? And what about his musical skills? Let's get those royal facts.
Robert Wadlow: The Tallest Man to Ever Live
At 8 feet, 11.1 inches tall, Robert Wadlow was the tallest man to have ever lived. Find out more about his incredible story.
The Fascinating History of Chicago's Famous Lakeshore
Discover the story of how Chicago developed its lakefront into one of the best in the world.
New York City's Lost and Forgotten Skyscraper
The Singer Building was once the most magnificent skyscraper in New York City, but it was demolished in 1968, becoming the tallest building to be demolished...
Beautiful! A Guitar, a Dog, and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah
You will fall in love with this beautiful guitar version of Leonard Cohen's famous song 'Hallelujah'.
10 of the OLDEST Perfumes in the World
Here's a list of 10 perfumes on the scale from vintage to antique you can still buy today WITHOUT breaking the bank!
Everything About the Vatican Explained in Just 7 Minutes
The Vatican is the seat of the Catholic Church. But there is not much else we know about it. This video provides some interesting facts.
10 Ancient Artifacts That You Won't See In History Books
Some human creations have survive for centuries and tell fascinating stories. Let's take a look at a few little-known ones.
12 Photos to Honor the Memory of the Late Prince Philip
On April 9, 2021, Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99. Here are 12 photos to honor his memory and life.
You Don't See a Lot of Vintage Portraits Like These...
In this post we will give you a swift glimpse of the portrait collection of one of the leading photographers of 19th-century Washington.
Welcome the Summer Season with These Beautiful Quotes
Welcome the balmy summer season with these beautiful warm-weather quotes.
Vintage Photos Showing the Coolest Generation in its Prime
Enjoy a collection of 13 vintage photographs showing how cool life used to be.
11 Useful Vintage and Antique Items That Resist Time
11 vintage and antique items that were bought once and continue to serve numerous generations...
5 Strange Lesser Known Stories About the British Monarchy
Some of these lesser-known rumors about the British Royal Family are funny, some are mysterious, and some are just plain odd...
8 Words You'll Never Hear the Royals Say
If you want to talk like the British royals, here are 8 words to avoid at all costs. You'd never hear a member of the Royal family utter them!
These Are the Most EXPENSIVE Liquids On Earth
Did you know that, a gallon of patchouli oil is worth $605 while a gallon of Chanel No 5 is worth a whopping $23,300? These are the most expensive liquids in earth.
Animal Spies: Fascinating Stories of Non-Human Agents
Who raises less suspicion than innocent animals? Learn of the incredible cases in which animals were trained and used for espionage.
Funny: When Words Sound Alike With Different Meanings
Homophones are words that sound exactly the same, but aren't spelled the same and mean something different. Here are 20 that are the wordiest of words.
Finger Kaleidoscope - Incredible Synchronized Performance
There's something really stunning and mesmerizing about many people moving in perfect synchrony!
12 Unique and Beautiful Words That Charm and Delight
Take a look at this list of some weird and wonderful words that you are unlikely to have read in your language course in school.
It’s Time for Some More Spine Chilling Facts
If you’re in the mood to learn some baffling and spine-chilling things about the world we live in, you’re in luck. Take a look at these 12 scary but fascinating facts.