FBI is warning anyone against using these Wi-Fi routers for their own safety
Published on Feb 23, 2026 at 9:17 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 at 9:17 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
In one of the more unusual new stories you will see, the FBI is warning against using certain Wi-Fi routers for people’s own safety.
A Wi-Fi router is a key part of home life in 2026, as practically everyone uses the internet, and many of us also use it for work, be it at home or in the office.
But the FBI has warned that certain older Wi-Fi routers are now exposing users to a greater risk of cyber attack, and they need to think about replacing them.
So if you use one of these routers, it might be worth asking your provider for a new one.
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What Wi-Fi routers are affected?
A number of routers have been highlighted by the FBI, and this warning applies to devices that were made in the late 2000s and the early 2010s.
These are end-of-life devices that are no longer supported by the original manufacturer.
The FBI has pointed to a dozen ‘legacy’ routers that are vulnerable.
All were produced by Linksys, a relatively common brand of wireless routers.
The models are the E1200 (2011), the E2500 (2011), the E4200 (2011), the WRT320N (2009), and the M10 (2010).
So if you have one of these, it’s time to get an upgrade.
Several factors are usually behind cyber attacks taking place via these devices.
These routers have remote administration software.
That allows them to be configured over the internet.
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How older routers are vulnerable to cyber attacks
Attackers can scan the internet for these devices, as their remote management features are now exposed.
The attackers then exploit these flaws and upload malware directly into them.
After that, the malware gives open access to the routers for the attackers.
This allows the router to communicate with a command-and-control server.
Taking place around every 60 seconds, it confirms that the device is active.
The router has then become a proxy server, allowing anyone to rent it.
Attackers can even use it to conceal their own online activity.
With these attacks difficult to track and detect, the FBI has issued a warning to those with older Wi-Fi devices.
So those who do have one of these, or one that is just as old, should seriously consider replacing it.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
