{"id":5263,"date":"2023-06-13T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T09:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routerctrl.com\/?p=5263"},"modified":"2023-11-22T15:19:25","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T15:19:25","slug":"wi-fi-router-get-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routerctrl.com\/wi-fi-router-get-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Wi-Fi Router Get a Virus?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yes! Like any other computer that can <\/span>receive data and updates from outside<\/span><\/a>, a <\/span>wireless router<\/span><\/a> can get infected with a virus. \u201cWait, What? The router is not a computer!\u201d – you say. Are you sure? Even though they are a piece of <\/span>networking equipment<\/span><\/a>, routers are computers, too. Very specialized computers, but still computers nonetheless. They have their CPU, motherboard, memory, and usually a Linux-based operating system. <\/span><\/p>\n

This choice of having a Linux-based operating system (or a dedicated OS written from scratch) makes them less likely to be infected by a computer virus than they would be running Windows<\/a>. Still, there are viruses written and designed specifically for the routers and their operating systems. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, sit back, relax, and let us explain how a Wi-Fi router<\/a> can get infected, how to know if this happened, how to take care of it, and how to prevent it from happening again. Let\u2019s take it from the top.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Can<\/p>\n

Why Would Anyone Infect a Router With a Computer Virus?<\/h2>\n

As you probably know, a computer virus is a specialized, malicious code or a program. Its creator designed it specifically to infiltrate itself into a system and perform a set of tasks programmed by the hacker. Those tasks may vary from data collecting to redirecting traffic or even pure destruction of the infected router and every connected computer. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, why pick the router as a target? It is somewhat obvious. The router is a junction point for all the data coming from and to a specific network. By infecting it, hackers can either use the router as a stepping stone to infect all the computers connected to it or place a virtual fishing net for all valuable information and credentials users send through that network. In any case, a router is a high-value target for hackers. <\/span><\/p>\n

How Can a Router Get Infected?<\/h2>\n

Routers have pretty good security nowadays. They are designed with a ton of built-in options and settings made to prevent hackers from penetrating the network or infecting the router with malicious software. On the other hand, they are also designed to make the setup process as easy as possible, allowing users with even the most basic knowledge to set up the wireless network. And, this simplicity is their most significant vulnerability. <\/span><\/p>\n

Manufacturers print the <\/span>default IP address<\/span><\/a> and administrator username and password on every router they make. Experienced users will use that information to <\/span>set up the network<\/span><\/a>, then <\/span>change both username and password to keep the router and network safe<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, many people are less experienced and won\u2019t pay much attention to security. Therefore, they will leave the default credentials as they are, without changing anything. And hackers just love that. <\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the default IP address<\/a> for routers made by TP-Link<\/a> is <\/span>192.168.0.1<\/span><\/a>, and both username and password are <\/span>admin. <\/b>The Default IP for routers made by NETGEAR<\/a> will be either <\/span>192.168.1.1<\/span><\/a> or 192.168.0.1. The username is <\/span>admin, <\/b>and the password will be either nothing or <\/span>password.<\/b> And that will stay the same for every single router made by those manufacturers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Other brands will use similar IP addresses and credentials, and they are all publicly available and easy to find. See why this presents a security problem?<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Change Your Router’s Username\/Password (NETGEAR Router)<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n