Having intruders in the router can be a major problem. This happens if someone finds out your password or is able to exploit a vulnerability. It can occur regardless of what type of device you have, although it is more common in those that are older and may be obsolete. We are going to tell you everything that attackers could do, with the aim of avoiding problems.
It is always essential to protect any device and the router is one of them. It is essential to use a strong and reliable password. You must apply it to both the Wi-Fi password and the device configuration password. Also make sure you have the firmware updated to the latest version.
What happens if your router is attacked
Keep in mind that, as it is a device connected to the network, it can lead to multiple problems. I know something that happens whenever they infect a device with Internet access, such as a cell phone, computer, etc.
Change password and data
The first thing that can happen is that you will be able to modify the configuration of the device. This includes changing the password, both for Wi-Fi and for access to the settings. In this way, you could have complete control and lead to bigger problems, since you would not be able to enter the settings to reverse the situation.
You could also make changes to the data, such as the Wi-Fi network name, or create a parallel guest network. At the end of the day, you are going to have control of the device and change everything.
Kick you out of the Wi-Fi network
It could also kick you off the Wi-Fi network. Basically, you can block a specific device, so that it does not have access to the network, as well as all devices and that only your devices can have permission to have the Internet. Once again, control will be total and you could make changes of this type.
It can also limit the traffic that your devices can have. This way, you wouldn’t be left without a connection, but you might notice that the speed is not what you would like.
Include the router in a botnet
Another option is to include that router in a botnet. The device becomes a zombie and can be part of large-scale attacks and, for example, take down the servers of a website. It is something that hackers can do when they attack a compromised device, such as a home automation device.
When part of a botnet, performance can decrease drastically. You could start to notice connection interruptions, loss of speed, etc.
Steal information
In addition, it could intercept plain text. Basically, see what you do on the Internet and everything that is not encrypted. It is the same thing that can happen when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, such as in a shopping center or airport, and there is an intruder connected and compromising your privacy.
Therefore, protecting the security of the router is going to be essential. For public networks, you can avoid problems by using a VPN. We recommend some like surfshark either NordVPN.
Redirect traffic
Finally, another problem is that they could redirect traffic. This means that you can enter a web page, with a domain name, but you will be redirected to another completely different site that has been created maliciously. They can do this by modifying the DNS.
This problem is very serious, since you could enter your bank’s website, for example, but end up on another page created with a similar appearance, but which they will use to steal your data and passwords. Always pay close attention to the URL.
In short, avoiding intruders on the router is going to be essential. You could have problems if an attacker manages to access your device. It can pose a significant risk and it is in your power to avoid it.
