Modern routers are considered secure access points to the internet, but are also repeatedly exploited for attacks. Hackers can take over routers, for example, to create a bot network unnoticed and use it to carry out further attacks on networks and service providers.
Owners of certain Asus routers are currently at risk. This is because the manufacturer has discovered a security vulnerability in the DSL-AC51, DSL-AC750 and DSL-N16 models that poses a high risk of external takeovers.
It is not known whether the vulnerability is already being exploited. However, it is better not to take any risks, as the hacked router can also be used as a gateway to take over other devices in your home network and intercept sensitive data.
How to protect yourself
Asus has already provided a firmware update with the number 1.1.2.3_1010 for affected routers. You can obtain this via the corresponding download page (search for your specific model here) or via the Asus router app. It is best to install it directly to close the security hole.
It can also do no harm to change the password for your router. This way you can play it safe if the update was already too late. It is best to install new firmware updates as soon as they are available for the best protection against the latest threats.
If your router is already so outdated that it has reached the end of support and therefore no longer receives security updates, it may be worth getting a new model.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT
Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.