FBI Is Asking Everyone to Reset Their Internet Routers, Here’s the Crazy Reason Why

The FBI wants everyone to reset their internet routers to help fend off a malware attack by a Russian hacking group called Sofacy.

Resetting the router may help prevent the hackers from being able to strengthen the malware’s defenses, the agency said through an announcement.

The attack is done through something known as a VPNFilter that targets small office or home office routers, according to the announcement. The malware can collect information, exploit devices and block network traffic. . .

“The size and scope of the infrastructure impacted by VPNFilter malware is significant,” the announcement states. “The malware targets routers produced by several manufacturers and network-attached storage devices by at least one manufacturer. The initial infection vector for this malware is currently unknown.” . . .

“According to the FBI, rebooting your router will destroy the part of the malware that can do nasty things like spy on your activities, while leaving the install package intact. And when that install package phones home to download the nasty part, the FBI will be able to trace that because the US government says it’s seized a critical domain that the Russian hackers were allegedly using,” the website explains. (Read more from “FBI Is Asking Everyone to Reset Their Internet Routers, Here’s the Crazy Reason Why” HERE)

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