Histrionics or valid warning ?

[msmob]

I've been reading warnings from the FBI that 'Russian hackers' - whether it be 'patriots' or just devilment - have managed to place malware in routers..

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/06/vpnfilter-malware-infecting-50000-devices-is-worse-than-we-thought/


Now, techie sources are saying it is worse than first thought

So, is this sensationalist BS - or it it time to check for a firmware patch ..?

 

[DaveNY]

There's probably something to some of it. How much is true and is the true extent even known is the question. For instance, "US lawmakers have cited potential ties between ZTE, Huawei, and the Chinese government as potential security risks, and they have introduced various bills to prohibit the federal government from purchasing or using equipment from the companies." It's agreed in many business circles that China has stolen US (and other countries) business and government data to help build their economy and military.

Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab software is also facing criticism for its close ties to the Kremlin. As a result Kaspersky is facing problems in at least the UK and US in selling its software to government operations and businesses that interact with the governments.

My wife is a tech guru and believes that she needed to take extra security steps to protect our computers from hackers. She has outfitted our computers with a VPN so our computers give an IP address that isn't our true location. Her job contracts sometimes means she has access to proprietary and confidential information so the VPN is an extra layer of security. According to her our VPN makes it harder for anyone to hijack our computers. Again according to her, some companies require their contract workers to take such precautions when working remotely.

http://www.theverge.com/2018/6/7/17437430/huawei-zte-us-government-china-cybersecurity-politics-storystream
http://www.zdnet.com/article/security-warning-dont-use-russian-antivirus-on-secret-government-systems-warns-cyber-agency/

[BillyB]

Russia hacking stuff? They're always trying to figure out ways to make life difficult for other nations should they get into a way or need to steal some secrets or financial info.

Over a week ago I posted the link below to get your routers protected.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/make-sure-russian-hackers-cant-attack-home-router-172705640.html

[msmob]

Thanks for the responses, so far

@BillyB - I am sorry for not crediting you for posting the earlier warning, but it you had read this one, you might realise that rebooting your router may not help...' more serious than initially thought' ..

@DaveNY

VPNs are illegal in China and the use of a VPN to visit sites banned by the RU media regulator - or to use banned apps - like Telegram - can lead to a prosecution...


Having a VPN on ones router could allow it to route your traffic to be 'inspected' or the equipment could be used to attack / overload web or email servers as part of a takeover, etc.,

My link showed a list of routers that have been affected  - but NOT what action to take ... 


If you see yours listed, I'd CALL your ISP - rather than email / visit a site - as you may find you are directed to a false site ?

Certainly, I know v.little about this ( may be panicking too much ? ) and if anyone knows more - it would be appreciated