The FBI has just issued an urgent cybersecurity alert: 13 router models are being hacked by cybercriminals. If you’ve noticed that your internet is slower than usual, that you get disconnected for no reason, or that your devices are behaving strangely… be careful. The problem may not be your internet provider, but something much more serious: your router.
According to the FBI, there are 13 old router models that are actively being attacked by cybercriminals. The reason? These are devices that have become obsolete, no longer receive updates, and have turned into easy targets for hackers. Literally, they are using these routers as open doors to enter your network and do as they please…
We’ll tell you below which models are at risk and what you can do to protect yourself.
What does the alert say?
On May 7, the FBI warned that some Linksys routers, popular in the 2000s, have become the easiest targets for hackers. The reason is simple: they are old and have not received any updates to improve security.
And if you’re wondering why hackers would want to access old routers… The answer is very simple: once they compromise the router, they can access all devices connected to it, they can install malicious software to control devices remotely, steal data, recruit them…
The list of affected routers is as follows:
- Linksys E1200
- Linksys E2500
- Linksys E1000
- Linksys E4200
- Linksys E1500
- Linksys E300
- Linksys E3200
- Linksys WRT320N
- Linksys E1550
- Linksys WRT610N
- Linksys E100
- Linksys M10
- Linksys WRT310N
Be careful with them because, even if you think that having a password protects you, hackers are always two steps ahead of us…
The FBI links these attacks to networks like 5Socks and Anyproxy, which, although dismantled, continue to be a threat.
How to know if your router has been hacked (even if you don’t notice it)
Hackers are usually stealthy, but there are clear signs that could indicate your router is being hacked:
- Your internet is slow all the time, even if only one device is connected.
- Sudden disconnections for no apparent reason.
- Unknown devices appear on your Wi-Fi network.
- You see changes in the router’s settings that you didn’t make.
If any of these things sound familiar…
What to do if your router is on the blacklist
The FBI is clear: the only 100% effective solution is to replace the router with a modern one that still receives security updates. Yes, you can try restarting it or disabling remote access as temporary measures, but the agency itself warns that this is not enough.
Current routers not only update automatically but also come with advanced security features that these old models do not have.
How to report if you suspect suspicious activity
If you think your router has been compromised, you can report it directly on the FBI’s official website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices
It is also recommended to change all your passwords, especially those for your bank accounts, emails, and any sensitive services you use from that network.
Many people worry about protecting their phones or computers, but forget that the router is the entry point to the entire home network. If you have one of the old models the FBI has pointed out, you are leaving that door wide open to cybercriminals… It’s up to you to change the router or become a victim of a data hack. Be careful!