VPNFilter malware now targeting even more router brands. How to check if you're affected.

VPNFilter — the malware that infected more than half a million routers in more than 50 countries — may be more dangerous than researchers originally believed.

What's different now? At least three things:

• Based on additional analysis, VPNFilter now is more powerful than originally thought and runs on a much broader base of consumer-grade and SOHO router models, many from previously unaffected manufacturers. To our knowledge, all the known vulnerable routers are from at least 10 router brands.
• VPNFilter is able to add malicious content to the traffic that passes through affected routers, according to researchers. This allows it to install malware onto devices and systems connected to the routers.
• The malware is showing new capabilities that can target and steal passwords and other sensitive information.
   

VPNFilter malware targets certain router models from these brands:

• Asus
• D-Link
• Huawei
• Linksys
• Mikrotik
• Netgear
• QNAP
• TP-Link
• Ubiquiti
• Upvel
• ZTE

How the FBI spotlighted VPNFilter

A quick recap. In a May 25 announcement, the FBI issued an urgent request for consumers to reboot their home Wi-Fi routers to help disrupt a massive foreign-based malware attack.

At the time, the FBI said foreign cybercriminals had compromised hundreds of thousands of small office and home Wi-Fi routers and other networked devices worldwide.

What does the VPNFilter threat mean to you?

VPNFilter poses several threats to small office and home routers, the FBI said.

Here's what the malware could do:

• Render routers inoperable
• Collect information passing through the routers
• Block network traffic

The FBI said detecting and analyzing the malware's network activity is difficult.

How to help defend yourself from VPNFilter malware

The FBI recommends taking several steps. Here's what you should do:

• Turn your router off, then back on. This may temporarily disrupt the malware and potentially help identify already-infected devices.
  
• Consider disabling remote management settings on the device.
• Secure the device with a strong, unique, new password.
• Enable encryption.
• Upgrade firmware to the latest available version.
  

It's a good idea to check the website of the manufacturer to see if your router may be affected. This is especially important since researchers are now saying VPNFilter affects more manufacturers of routers.

Compromised routers raise risks

Keep in mind that all your information passes through your router. That's why security is essential.

When your router is compromised, your privacy and the security of your devices can be at stake.