Wi-Fi router getting hacked with complicated malware: Here is how to stay safe

Wi-Fi router hacks have only increased after a mega demand in Wi-Fi routers for WFH. Here is how you can stay safe.

ZuoRAT malware is affecting certain popular routers from Asus, Cisco, DrayTek and Netgear. (Pixabay)

Wi-Fi routers may seem like simple devices that only work to relay internet connectivity to wireless devices. However, these routers can be easily hacked and may make it easy for hackers to gain access to your device, eventually stealing all your data. A recent case of such an instance has emerged wherein hackers have created a highly sophisticated malware that spreads via Wi-Fi routers and infiltrates computers. It is called ZuoRAT and it works ina very complicated way to hide itself while stealing the data.

Discovered and reported by Lumen Technologies, it is said that ZuoRAT malware is affecting certain popular routers from Asus, Cisco, DrayTek and Netgear. The report says that the malware has been living undetected “on the edge of targeted networks for years”. While the router attacks are common, this one has a very sophisticated structure that seems to be deployed from a nation state with large access to resources.

Wi-Fi routers being attacked by complicated malware

The ZuoRAT malware is able to attack routers before getting access to network information, which in turn allows hackers to access Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. The complex malware has four components to it, which makes it very difficult to detect.

You can get into the details about this malware from the report here but what most of you need to know is that your Wi-Fi routers are always at risk and you cannot trust it without any kind of protection. Hence, there are certain things you can do to protect you and your computers from external threats.

The report from Lumen says that “Users should follow best practices of regularly rebooting routers and installing security updates and patches. Users should leverage properly configured and updated EDR solutions on hosts and regularly update software consistent with vendor patches where applicable.” That means you should frequently reboot your Wi-Fi routers to keep them safe from such complex malware attacks. Additionally, it is always wise to keep the router firmware updated to the latest version, which could have a fix for these issues.

Users should also make use of anti-malware protection services on their Windows and Linux devices to keep their data and apps safe.