The FBI and Justice Department have warned that a Russian military intelligence hacking group, known as APT28, Fancy Bear, and Forest Blizzard, has been abusing vulnerable small office and home office routers to help run an espionage operation. The group has been linked to Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.

How to Protect Your Router

To protect your router, update its firmware, change the admin username and password, and disable remote management. You can also use a password manager to create and store a strong router password.

The FBI specifically referred to the TP-Link WR841N in its warning. The UK National Cyber Security Centre also listed other TP-Link models targeted by APT28. If you see your model on this list, take it seriously and update your router’s firmware.

A spokesperson from TP-Link Systems Inc. said the company is aware of recent public reporting involving legacy consumer routers, including TP-Link models listed in those reports. The company urged customers using legacy or end-of-service devices to upgrade to currently supported hardware that receives regular security updates.

Strong antivirus software can also help protect your devices if a bad link, a fake login page, or a malicious download reaches you. Look for security software that can detect malware, warn you about phishing sites, and help.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.