Routers are essential for WiFi connections, with millions of new devices set up daily in homes and workplaces. According to analysis conducted by Kaspersky, over 500 vulnerabilities were discovered in routers in 2021, including 87 critical ones.
A router is the hub of an entire home network, through which all elements of a smart home access the Internet and exchange data. Infecting a router, attackers gain access to the network through which data packets are transmitted. Using this, they can install malware on connected computers to steal sensitive data, private photos, or business files – possibly causing irreparable damage to the victim.
Out of all discovered vulnerabilities in 2021, 87 were critical. Critical vulnerabilities are the most unprotected “holes” through which an attacker can penetrate a home or corporate network. Such vulnerabilities may let the attacker bypass authentication, send remote commands to a router, or even incapacitate it.
Alongside attackers’ increased activity, consumers and small businesses don’t have the expertise or resources to identify or understand a threat before it’s too late. For instance, as mentioned, 73% of users have never thought about upgrading or securing their router, making it one of the biggest threats impacting the Internet of Things today.