Smart Safety: Malware Attacks on Internet Routers

A new FBI alert warns that Americans need to reboot internet routers, especially those located in a home or small office, after finding over 500k compromised by malware attacks.  The malware has infected these types of routers in 54 countries.  The FBI, DHS and DoJ advised rebooting your router, by simply turning it off and back on,  to clear it from advanced stages of the Russian-linked malware VPNFilter. The malware infecting SOHO routers and NAS devices is linked to the Russian military-backed hackers Sofacy Group, aka Fancy Bear and APT 28.The malware is able to perform multiple functions, including possible information collection, device exploitation, and blocking network traffic.

Adam Levin Founder of CyberScout and author of "Swiped" says "Users should immediately turn the router off and then back on or "power cycle" and also disable remote management settings on devices and secure their devices with long and strong passwords and extra layers of encryption.  Cybercriminals are targeting these routers in an attempt to steal personal data or intellectual property and consumers and small business owners need to be on high alert and make sure their routers don't become open gateways for hackers."

Adam K. Levin is a consumer advocate with more than 30 years of experience and is a nationally recognizedexpert on cybersecurity, privacy, identity theft, fraud, and personal finance. A former Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Levin is Chairman and founder of CyberScout and co-founder of Credit.com.  Adam Levin is the author of Amazon Best Selling Book  Swiped:  How to Protect Yourself in a World Full of Scammers, Phishers and Identity Thieves.