Can modem get virus

The internet has become an essential component in our daily lives and it enables us to do things like sharing information, buying commodities, checking our bank account balance, and socializing. With various forms of access like Wi-Fi, mobile data, and modem, the internet has become universal. Security too has come up as an important factor due to threats such as viruses and cybercrimes.

We all try to keep our internet-connected devices safe from smartphones, PCs, routers, and tablets. But we tend to overlook a device like a modem, maybe because of its tiny size. This device is very vital when working remotely where you have no Wi-Fi access and can’t use your phone as a hotspot.

A modem can get a virus because it is controlled by firmware, connects to the internet, and doesn’t come with advanced security layers. This makes it a prime target for viruses because the modem is the hub for all other connected devices.  

Viruses are normally created by hackers to infect your devices and either stealing your data or encrypting it and forcing you to pay a ransom. Hackers will inject malware on your modem that will in turn infect any other device connected to it. This way, a hacker can obtain your sensitive data like your bank account details or your credit card information and steal the money from you.

How to tell if your modem is infected

Since a modem sits at the center of the wireless network, most signs will be visible in the device connected to it such as your laptop. There are several signs of a virus infection, however, I’ll touch on the most common ones. The first sign you’ll notice is your laptop running slower than it used to or how it’s expected to. The laptop will take more time to power up and load, when you click on an app to launch it, it takes more than usual, or if it randomly crashes when you’re using it. Viruses get embedded on the machine’s CPU and with time slow it down.

The second sign has to do with your browser. If you launch it and find it displaying new toolbars that you have no idea of when you type in a website address and the browser redirects you to a different and strange website that you don’t know. Also, if you notice that your old passwords for online accounts are not working anymore, then chances are that the network is infected. Other ways to tell if your modem has a virus include money mysteriously missing in your account when you come across a new software installed on your PC that you don’t remember installing, fake antivirus messages frequently popping up on your screen, and when you receive ransom messages.

If you haven’t noticed any of these signs, it doesn’t hurt to scan your modem to ensure it’s safe. Several tools can be used to carry out this.

Ways to protect your modem from a virus

Majorly, the modem security depends on reliable encryption and proper authentication. There are several ways that you can secure your modem with. They include:

Update login credentials

A modem uses a username and password which some have by default while others don’t have at all. Since you use your modem to connect to the internet and access sensitive information like your bank account, it’s paramount to make your modem as secure as possible.  If you don’t have one already set up, then proceed and set it up. If you already have a username and password, then change it.

Update your modem

Modems use firmware which is their software to access and connect to the internet. Modems with out-of-date firmware are vulnerable to attacks from hackers Modem manufacturers release software updates for modems’ firmware frequently. These updates come with fixes for any existing bugs and glitches that might give a hacker a window of opportunity to inject a virus into the firmware. So, ensure that you keep the modem up to date always.

Set up a secure SSID

A modem’s SSID is the name of the modem that is displayed when you connect to it. By default, the SSID is the manufacturer’s name and the password is a default one too and hackers can scan and login in using common passwords from these manufacturers. Make sure you change the SSID and the password.

Update the encryption settings

Check your modem’s encryption settings and update them if necessary. This can be disabled from your modem’s advanced settings window. You’ll find 3 options, select WPA2 since it’s the strongest of them all.

Disable remote administration

A remote administration allows you to configure, upgrade, or check your router’s status online. It’s usually off by default to prevent a hacker from cracking your router password. It’s also beneficial and you can find yourself or someone else using it from time to time. For example, when you need help from someone remote and they need to administer the router’s configurations, or if you need to troubleshoot your friend’s or relative’s router. It’s always advisable to turn it off after use.

Summary Table 

Final thoughts

A modem can come in handy but needs protection against viruses and hackers. This will go a long way to keep your data safe.

FAQs

How can I check my MB8600 modem firmware version?

On your browser’s address bar, type 192.168.100.1 and hit ENTER. On the login page, use the default username and password if you haven’t changed them and click the login button. Click on ‘Advanced’ and select ‘Software’ then ‘Software Version’ which is your router’s firmware version.

How long does it take to update the firmware? 

It should take about 20 to 30 minutes on average with some modems taking less.