Can a wifi router get a virus

When accessing the internet on a wireless network, a Wi-Fi router plays an important role. It connects multiple devices to the internet as well as inter-connecting them.

A Wi-Fi router comes in different designs and builds depending on the manufacturer. Being wireless, it allows you to connect your phone, PC, or a smart device like a Smart TV to the internet without using an Ethernet cable. Despite its benefits, the internet also comes with its fair share of issues with viruses being among them. These viruses are shared over the internet and can affect several devices when infected to the extent of making these devices unusable. Since a router is a device that makes internet connectivity possible, is it prone to these viruses too?

Yes, a Wi-Fi router can get a virus. Similar to any internet-enabled device, a router is vulnerable to viruses such as malware. They are prime suspects of attacks because they sit right at the center of the connections with all the devices connecting to the internet via them.

These viruses alter the router’s internet browser settings by adding a proxy server or even change the PC’s DNS settings. This can make access to any website difficult or even block the entire internet connection. With poor or no internet connection, it makes it difficult to even download an anti-virus to eliminate these threats. This puts your sensitive information like credit card information or bank account details at risk of being stolen by a hacker.

How can my router get a virus

Your router can be infected with a virus if a hacker manages to log in to your router’s account and change its settings which end up modifying the router’s firmware which controls the router. The main cause of this is the router’s password. By default, a router comes with a default admin password. This password is weak and universal and needs to be changed upon purchase failure to which your router becomes vulnerable to hacking. Also, if you change the password but put a weak one like your birthday, then you’re exposing your router to threats. The last potential cause is the WPS PIN also known as Wi-Fi Protected Setup PIN. This is a button on the back or side of the router that you can use to connect to the internet without typing in the password.

The most common router viruses are VPNFilter and Switcher Trojan with their effect being felt by devices connected on the network too. What happens is that a device like a smartphone is infected with a virus when a user clicks to open an email with a virus or when you download an infected app. Now, when this phone connects to the Wi-Fi network, the virus makes contact with a central server and then attempts to log in to the router using the default password as well as other trial passwords.

When it manages to log in, malware is installed on the router’s firmware giving control to the virus. The virus then changes the default DNS addresses to DNS server addresses under its control. This then redirects all the router’s internet traffic and attempts to obtain sensitive information like your login passwords, credit card details, bank account credentials, etc. It can obtain this information by sometimes returning a dummy website of a real site like PayPal or your bank asking you to log in after which it scraps the login credentials.

Signs that your router has been hacked

You can tell that you’ve been hacked using some common signs. The most common sign of a virus infection is when you notice your PC running slower than expected. This could be because malware installed on the PC from the router is eating up your CPU resources. Another common sign is your apps constantly crashing randomly. Also, if you use online banking and you notice some funds missing in your account or that you’re unable to log into your accounts, then your router might be infected. The third sign is if your data is locked and you’re being denied access without paying the ransom. You can’t even open files on your computer and then you get a ransom message asking you to pay first for you to unlock your data is a sign of having been hacked. Another sign of router hacking happens when you visit a normal website but find yourself being redirected to a different website that you don’t recognize, then chances are that your router has a virus.

How to fix an infected router 

First solution: Reset the router

If you notice any of the above signs, the first line of defense is to reset your router by pressing the reset button located at the back of the router. The button is normally tiny to prevent unnecessary resets, so you’ll need to use a clip or pin to press and hold for a few seconds until the router flashes light. This will reset your router back to factory defaults where you’ll get a chance to reset a new password as well as other configurations.

Second solution: Change the password

Routers use passwords for security. By default, routers come with a default administrator password which isn’t unique. It’s recommended that you change the password by creating a new and strong password. The ideal password should be unique with numbers, symbols, and letters. This makes it hard for a hacker to guess your router’s password.

Third solution: Update your router

This is another solution proven to work. Routers use firmware to control themselves which can be updated. This installs new updates that not only improve your router’s performance, but also fixes any glitches and bugs on it. To perform the update, visit your manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware update for the router model.

Summary Table

FAQs

Is there other firmware that can be installed other than the default?

Yes, Tomato and DD-WRT are more secure and beneficial than the default router firmware. They come with features like a VPN that you can use to hide your IP address.

Can a VPN protect me from hackers?

A VPN offers a lot of benefits including protecting you from malware and hacking.

Conclusion

A Router can also be infected with viruses and keeping your Router safe is important in maintaining your safety while using the internet. In this article, we’ve seen how you can do this.