Home Wi-Fi Networks Targeted by Hackers for Criminal Activities

• •Nearly 1,200 routers were identified as compromised and used for criminal activities.
• •Compromised routers often operate normally, leaving users unaware of unauthorized access.
• •Changing default passwords and updating firmware are critical steps for securing home networks.

Recent reports indicate that home Wi-Fi networks are increasingly targeted by hackers, who exploit compromised routers for illegal activities. The FBI identified nearly 1,200 routers and devices that were secretly enlisted in a criminal network, functioning as 'residential proxies' to obscure the criminals' identities. Users typically remain unaware of these intrusions, as compromised routers continue to operate normally. To check for unauthorized access, users are advised to log into their router's dashboard and review the list of connected devices. Default administrator passwords and outdated firmware are common vulnerabilities that make routers easy targets. Many households are using routers that are nearly a decade old and no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to change default passwords and regularly update firmware to enhance security.