Breaking news this lunchtime that IT professionals is Australia have learnt of a new botnet that is capable of controlling routers and broadband modems.
The botnet is known as “Psyb0t” or “Network Bluepill” and is able to attach and infect around 50 models of routers and modems. Disturbingly, popular models from Netgear and Linksys are included.
The result of this information is worrying to say the least, as routers and modems act and control home and business networks, and are not to look after themselves with AntiVirus software like a desktop PC does.
The reason for the worry is that if a router or modem does get infected, it would mean that the botnet has control of your Internet connection. Not just this, but also any equipment or peripherals that you have connected to your computer or network. For example, TVs, networked printers, Skype phones and other things.
The worm code contains a list of 6,000 usernames and 13,000 passwords which are common choices by users for access to their routers settings. Many Internet users will also not be aware that their routers will not necessarily lock out multiple incorrect username or password attempts, much like a credit card would if the wrong PIN is entered a certain number of times.
Usual advice stands, keep AntiVirus and router or modem firmware / software up-to-date and hope that the malicious software does not come to a network near you.
Source: Sam Knows
Related posts:
