What\u2019s more disconcerting is that the malware has the power to wipe out portions of the routers\u2019 firmware, which renders them useless. Attackers have the option to destroy a single device or wipe out all infected devices at once.<\/span><\/p>\n The Cisco report came in response to an uptick in infections in the Ukraine. Officials there were quick to blame the malware on Russia, whom it accuses of planning the attacks to coincide with next Saturday\u2019s Champions Cup (soccer). The Ukraine also blames Russia for the NotPetya attacks that occurred last year.<\/p>\n Though the infections have been limited to devices made by LinkSys, MikroTik, NetGear and TP-Link, the FBI is quick to caution that other devices could be at risk as well. Here is a full list of the models affected by VPNFilter:<\/p>\n Unplug your router.<\/p>\n Yes, that\u2019s right the age-old trick that can fix almost any internet connection issue also works for stopping VPNFilter. Kind of. First, here\u2019s what the FBI had to say in a recent public service announcement:<\/p>\n “The FBI recommends any owner of small office and home office routers reboot the devices to temporarily disrupt the malware and aid the potential identification of infected devices\u2026 Owners are advised to consider disabling remote-management settings on devices and secure with strong passwords and encryption when enabled. Network devices should be upgraded to the latest available versions of firmware.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Unfortunately, there are three stages of the VPNFilter malware. The more dangerous stages, two and three, can be removed with a reboot. Stage one is like herpes, it remains with your router forever and can be re-infected. The good news is that the FBI now controls the address that all VPNFilter was being routed to. The bad news is Stage one is potentially stuck on your router.<\/p>\n While it sounds silly on its surface, I would still heed the FBI\u2019s advice. Resetting your router is typically as simple as pulling the power cord out of the wall, waiting about 30 seconds and then plugging it in again. This isn\u2019t rocket science. Just follow the advice and avoid any trouble in the future.<\/p>\nWhat routers are affected by VPNFilter?<\/h2>\n
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What can I do to protect myself from VPNFilter?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nClosing Thoughts<\/h2>\n