Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

author photo

Major Security Flaw Discovered in Asus Routers, Too

by on February 18, 2014
in Computer Safety & Support, News, Computers and Software, Computers & Accessories, Accessories, Internet & Networking, Blog, Privacy :: 0 comments

Techlicious editors independently review products. To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page.

Asus RT-AC66R router with AiCloudIf you keep an external hard drive plugged in to your Asus router, you'll likely want to disconnect it immediately.

Ars Technica is reporting that hackers are actively exploiting a giant security vulnerability in Asus routers. The contents of USB hard drives that have been physically attached to select router models are being made available to anyone with a web browser and the device’s IP address, with no password or other authentication.

According to security researcher Kyle Lovett, the vulnerability affects the following router models: RT-AC66R, RT-AC66U, RT-AC56U, RT-N66R, RT-N66U, RT-N56R, RT-N56U, RT-N14U, RT-N16 and RT-N16R.

The vulnerability is caused by the routers’ AiCloud remote access feature. Unlike the remote access vulnerability in Linksys routers we reported on yesterday, AiCloud (and the security hole therein) is turned on by default. Manually turning off AiCloud will seal the vulnerability.

If you want to keep your external drive attached to your router and continue to use the AiCloud service, Asus quietly released a firmware patch to correct the issue last year. Your router will remain vulnerable until you download and install it.

You can find the firmware update for your Asus router by visiting the company’s drivers and download page. For more on keeping your computer and network secure, check out these 6 ways to protect yourself from online threats.


Discussion loading

Love getting helpful tech tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.