Quick: How old is your Wi-Fi router?
If that question was immediately followed by silence as you tried to remember the last time you even thought about your router, let alone when you bought it, you might want to listen up. A recent FBI bulletin warns that certain Wi-Fi routers can pose serious security risks.
These trusty little internet-connection devices are found in almost every home and office today, but they are super easy to ignore. Which makes sense: If it isn’t broken, why fix it? (Or think about it, or know what it does, or … ) But if your Wi-Fi router is a bit long in the tooth, read on.
We spoke to cybersecurity expert Stephen Boyce, CEO of The Cyber Doctor, and IT security expert Erik Grewe, president and CEO of ForeverOn Technologies, to learn exactly how an old router can compromise your security. We also got the scoop on which routers the FBI specifically called out in its warning bulletin. Read on for all the details and tech tips to keep your home network safe.
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How can your router put you at risk?
An old, outdated router makes your home or office network a juicy target for hackers, who can gain access and wreak all sorts of havoc.
Here’s how: Router security depends on the reliability of built-in software (also called “firmware”), which handles important details like which standards the router uses to encrypt your Wi-Fi signal. The problem is that firmware can become outdated as companies stop providing support for older, “end-of-life” router models. This outdated software is precisely what makes an old router an attractive target for hackers.
“Many older routers from the late 2000s are unprotected because they no longer receive security updates,” explains Boyce. “That means cybercriminals can exploit known vulnerabilities to gain root access, listen to network traffic or quietly turn the device into a bot.”
In many cases, these security exploits do not even require the hacker to have your Wi-Fi password to install malware onto your router (so don’t assume having a strong password for your network is enough to keep you safe).
What can cybercriminals do with this information?
If criminals crack your router and gain unfettered access to your Wi-Fi network, there’s a lot of damage they can do.
Boyce warns that “when a router is compromised, attackers typically intercept traffic, change DNS settings or access connected devices like cameras and smart home systems.” That last part is especially important, because the threat doesn’t stop at the router itself. “Because routers sit at the center of a home network, one vulnerable device can expose everything connected to it,” Boyce says. This opens the door to things like identity theft, which can cause catastrophic damage to your finances that can take years to repair.
Grewe warns of another danger: “One of the most common threats is a bad actor using your router as their own weapon.” That includes organizing brute-force password attempts and large-scale operations called Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In other words, a hacker can use your router as a staging point for committing additional crimes to cover their tracks.
Cybercriminals do this by installing malware on your router. One of the most common strains, specified in the FBI bulletin, is known as TheMoon, which hackers have been using to compromise Wi-Fi routers since 2014. Once they have control of your router, the criminals can use your own internet connection for all sorts of nefarious dark web activities.
Which routers are a problem right now?
The FBI bulletin specifically named older Linksys routers that are no longer receiving software patches or security updates. Here’s the full list of outdated Linksys router models:
- Linksys E1200
- Linksys E2500
- Linksys E1000
- Linksys E1500
- Linksys E1550
- Linksys E3200
- Linksys WRT320N
- Linksys WRT310N
All of these routers were released more than 10 years ago, and Linksys is no longer pushing software updates for them. However, the danger is hardly limited to these models; any router from any brand is susceptible to attack, especially if it’s old and isn’t receiving software updates. The FBI specifically named these Linksys routers because they are popular and common in many homes and offices.
There’s one bright spot: Just because a hacker gains control of your Wi-Fi network doesn’t mean they can see everything. For example, it’s tricky to steal login information for things like bank websites through Wi-Fi alone, as these sites almost always use HTTPS, which adds another layer of encryption to your traffic. However, hackers with access to your router can get around this by routing your internet traffic through fake phishing sites and capturing your login information that way.
What should you do if you have one of these routers?
If your router (whether one of the Linksys models listed above or another kind) is more than a few years old, it’s time to consider replacing it with a newer one. Not sure if your router model is still supported? Check the manufacturer’s website, as software support varies by brand. If the manufacturer hasn’t issued any firmware updates or patches in a while or directly states that your router model is no longer supported, disconnect and replace it immediately.
Even if your router is still supported, it’s a good idea to check for signs someone is stealing your Wi-Fi. Unknown devices on your network, slow internet, frequent signal drops and unexpected website redirects are all signs that someone else may have gained access to your router.
If you suspect your router’s been compromised, perform a factory reset. This process varies depending on the make and model of your router, but it usually requires you to push a small button located on the back (sometimes the bottom) of the device. Afterward, make sure you change the username and password to your router login. Note that this is different from your Wi-Fi password, but you should change that too.
Finally, if you think your router may have been hacked, double-check all of your personal accounts (especially financial accounts) for signs of illicit access. See which devices and locations have logged into those accounts, if that information is available, and for any other unauthorized activity.
What else should you keep in mind about router safety?
When it comes to online security, some basic precautions can go a long way in keeping you safe. With your home Wi-Fi network, this begins with your router. Here are some important tips and tactics you should use to lock down your home wireless network and keep hackers out:
- Change the router’s default admin name and password. “The most obvious tip is sometimes the most overlooked: Change the default admin password immediately,” Grewe advises. Out of the box, routers come with admin credentials set by the manufacturer. Changing these should be the first thing you do after installing your router.
- Ensure your router’s firmware stays up to date. This is another important one. Most brand-name routers today should support automatic firmware updates, allowing the device to download and install any security patches immediately. Check and make sure automatic updates are enabled in the router’s user interface (accessed via an app or on the web).
- Look for routers with WPA3 encryption support (and make sure it’s enabled). When buying a new router, it’s vital to get one that supports the latest encryption standards. Today, that’s WPA3. “WPA3 is the new modern encryption standard,” Grewe says, stating that this is nonnegotiable. “Any new router you choose must have that.” Also make sure your network is using WPA3 encryption and not an older, less secure protocol like WPA2 or WEP.
- Replace your router every three to seven years. How soon you should replace your router again depends on the brand and model, and opinions vary. “Routers should be replaced whenever the manufacturer stops issuing firmware updates or security patches,” Grewe notes. “That can be as many as seven years or as little as three.” Boyce takes a more conservative approach, saying that “replacing a router every two to four years helps ensure it continues receiving critical security patches and doesn’t become end of life.”
Although not mandatory, a couple of other things you can do to tighten up your Wi-Fi network security include disabling remote management (if your router offers that) and setting up a separate guest network for visitors and smart home devices to connect to.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of articles on personal technology, arming readers with the knowledge to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and internet scams as well as revealing the best tips, tricks and shortcuts for computers, cellphones, apps, texting, social media and more. For this piece, Lucas Coll tapped his experience as a tech journalist to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We rely on credentialed experts with personal experience and know-how as well as primary sources including tech companies, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Stephen Boyce, cybersecurity expert and CEO of The Cyber Doctor; interviewed, March 2026
- Erik Grewe, president and CEO of ForeverOn Technologies; interviewed, March 2026
- FBI: “Cyber Criminal Services Target End-of-Life Router to Launch Attacks and Hide Their Activities”
- FBI: “Cyber Criminal Proxy Services Exploiting End of Life Routers”
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