Routers are our gateway to the Internet, with devices like PCs, games consoles, smart TVs, security cameras and smart plugs permanently connected to them. For something so critical, it’s surprising how little attention people give to their routers. Most people never bother to check their router after the initial setup. As long as you’re connected to the Internet, you probably assume the router is working properly. And while this is technically the case, outdated routers that no longer receive security updates pose a significant risk.
Updating router firmware is essentially the same as updating your smartphone or PC. Some updates introduce new features, while others fix known vulnerabilities. But routers typically aren’t supported for very long – three to seven years for most manufacturers. So, if your router was purchased more than five years ago, you should check if it is still receiving firmware updates. With an unsupported router, you risk the security of the entire network.
The FBI has repeatedly issued warnings about how bad actors are exploiting end-of-life routers, highlighting both vulnerabilities and remediation measures. While the average home user isn’t necessarily the most likely target of these attacks, you still shouldn’t risk finding yourself on a network compromised by malicious actors. And among the solutions available, replacing an old router is often the best choice.
Unsupported routers pose a major security risk
Even though unsupported routers often continue to work from a usability standpoint, they should still be replaced as soon as possible due to the security issues mentioned above. Over time, as the number of unpatched vulnerabilities increases, your router becomes an easier target. It’s also not a problem that gets better with time, as researchers discover many such vulnerabilities every month. And while supported routers receive patches in a timely manner, unsupported ones remain exposed.
If you’re wondering why someone would hack an average home router, there are several reasons why. By gaining access, a malicious actor can redirect traffic to malicious sites, potentially stealing your login credentials and banking information. Second, they can target other devices on the network, including computers, smartphones, and smart home devices. Third, a compromised router could potentially allow bad actors to use your connection as a proxy for illegal activities. And a router that no longer receives firmware updates makes their job much easier. Older, unsupported, and unsafe routers also lack modern security features and newer encryption standards.
Keep in mind that identifying a hacked router and regaining control is becoming more difficult by the day. Malicious actors are now employing advanced techniques, including exploiting remote control capabilities and adding their own cryptographic keys to maintain control even if existing vulnerabilities are patched. This makes it all the more important to prevent an attack in the first place rather than taking corrective action later.
Buying a new router is the easiest choice
If your router has reached the end of its lifespan, replacing it is usually the safest and simplest choice and a smart long-term solution. That’s because an outdated, unsupported router is both a security risk and lacks the latest features. Remember that firmware updates also introduce support for newer encryption standards, improve device compatibility, and sometimes improve router performance. So if your router is the bottleneck of your network, upgrading to a modern unit can improve internet speeds and reduce latency.
When exploring available router options, opt for manufacturers that offer firmware support for the longest period. Additionally, look for router features such as quality of service (QoS), availability of LAN and USB ports, support for the latest encryption standards, and guest network functionality. Most modern routers offer these options.
If you can’t upgrade right away, you should still take a few steps to make your router more secure. This includes changing default admin panel credentials, disabling remote control features, and even supporting third-party firmware like OpenWrt, DD-WRT, or FreshTomato. The last part is often tricky because many routers don’t natively support alternative firmware and installing it can take a lot of effort. Once you finally upgrade to a new device, you can use your old router in several ways, including as a network switch or range extender.
