Why The FBI Is Urging Internet Users To Reboot Their Routers
If you haven't rebooted your internet router at home recently, the FBI says you should asap.
The FBI went public on Monday warning internet users nationwide to reboot their in home routers due to Russian hackers.
Seems the hackers have targeted hundreds of thousands of in home routers with malware that can shut down web traffic and collect private information.
The FBI says the reboot is very simple to do. Just unplug your router, wait 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
Unplug your in home router, wait 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
Internet security experts say this process with reboot the system and interrupt any malware being sent to the unit.
Last week Cisco's cyberintelligence unit Talos reported that nearly half a million home routers were infected with 'sophisticated' malware that would allow hackers to steal website credentials as well as render the router unusable (meaning no internet access for you).
They urged small business and home internet users to reboot their routers and are asking internet service providers to work with customers on making sure their routers are up to date with security patches.
The source of the malware program, known as VPNFilter, was traced to the Sofacy Group, also known as A.P.T. 28, Fancy Bear and Pawn Storm, according to a report from Forbes.
They are reportedly the same group that hacked the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Home internet users also can protect themselves after their reboot by staying current on software updates and changing default passwords.