Can Rebooting Your Router Remove VPNFilter?

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

What is VPNFilter?

List of Routers Affected by VPNFilter

How to Determine if Your Router is Infected with VPNFilter

Does Rebooting the Router Really Remove VPNFilter?

Eliminating VPNFilter to Safeguard Router and NAS Devices

Following reports that the VPNFilter botnet has infected at least 500,000 routers and NAS devices taken over by the U.S. government, the FBI advises users to reboot their routers to disrupt the malicious software. But the question arises: Can rebooting your router truly eliminate VPNFilter?

Unfortunately, users often overlook other crucial recommendations, including disabling remote control, changing passwords, and upgrading to the latest firmware, focusing only on the router reboot suggestion. Another solution to eliminate VPNFilter is to reset the router to its default factory settings.

After rebooting the router, the malicious software will still persist on the device, so the solution is to reset the router to its original default state to thoroughly remove the harmful software.

Can Rebooting Your Router Remove VPNFilter?

What is VPNFilter?

VPNFilter is malicious software targeting routers and NAS devices to steal files, information, and monitor network traffic as it passes through the device. When the malicious software is installed, it consists of three distinct phases, each executing specific functions.

Phase 1 involves installation and allows the malware to persist even when the router is rebooted.

Phase 2 allows attackers to execute commands and steal data. This phase also includes a self-destruct capability that essentially renders the router and the user's network connection non-functional.

Phase 3 involves installing various plugins into the malware to enable it to execute different functions such as network sniffing, monitoring SCADA communications, and communicating via TOR.

While Phase 1 will continue to operate after the router is rebooted, Phases 2 and 3 will not.

For this reason, the FBI recommends users reboot their routers to neutralize Phases 2 and 3 and for the FBI to compile a list of affected router devices and victims.

List of Routers Affected by VPNFilter

According to reports from Cisco, Symantec, and the Security Service of Ukraine, routers affected by VPNFilter include:

- Linksys E1200
- Linksys E2500
- LinkSys WRVS4400N
- Various versions of Mikrotik RouterOS for Cloud Core Router: 1016, 1036, 1072
- Netgear DGN2200
- Netgear R6400
- Netgear R7000
- Netgear R8000
- Netgear WNR1000
- Netgear WNR2000
- QNAP TS251
- QNAP TS439 Pro
- Other QNAP NAS devices running QTS software.
- TP-Link R600VPN

This is the current list of routers susceptible to VPNFilter. However, there is no guarantee that other routers are not affected. Therefore, users should follow the recommendations below to protect their routers.

How to Determine if Your Router is Infected with VPNFilter

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to know if your router is infected with VPNFilter. If you have concerns or suspicions about your router being compromised, follow the suggestions below.

Does Rebooting the Router Really Remove VPNFilter?

Rebooting the router will disable components of VPNFilter's Phase 2 and Phase 3, but not Phase 1. So, even if the malicious software's components are disabled, VPNFilter will still be present on your device.

The only foolproof solution to completely erase this malicious software is to reset the router to its original default state, a process that will also reboot the router. Users will be prompted to reconfigure the router, add an Admin password, and set up the configured wireless networks.

Eliminating VPNFilter to Safeguard Router and NAS Devices

Follow the steps below to remove VPNFilter and keep your router secure:

Step 1: Reset the Router to its Default Factory Settings.
Step 2: Upgrade to the latest firmware.
Step 3: Change the default Admin password.
Step 4: Disable remote access.

While the above steps will eliminate VPNFilter and protect your device from current threats, it's not a permanent solution. If new vulnerabilities are discovered in the current firmware, the router could be susceptible to harm again.

Therefore, it's crucial to always check for the latest firmware updates and install them.

Explore more about Wireless Routers and their functionalities.

After a period of anticipation, Google has finally officially released Chrome 67 with several enhancements to improve performance for users, discontinuing support for the basic HTTP standard to promote the safer HTTPS standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can simply rebooting my router eliminate the VPNFilter malware?

No, simply rebooting your router will not completely eliminate the VPNFilter malware. While it disables components of Phases 2 and 3, Phase 1 remains active, allowing the malware to persist. A complete reset to factory settings is required for total removal.

What steps should I take to fully remove VPNFilter from my router?

To fully remove VPNFilter from your router, reset the router to its default factory settings, upgrade to the latest firmware, change the default admin password, and disable remote access. These steps are essential for securing your device.

What is the purpose of the VPNFilter malware targeting routers?

VPNFilter is malicious software designed to compromise routers and NAS devices. Its main objectives are to steal sensitive information, monitor network traffic, and potentially disrupt device functionality through various execution phases.

How can I determine if my router has been infected with VPNFilter?

There is no definitive method to determine if your router is infected with VPNFilter. If you suspect an infection, it is crucial to follow recommended security practices, including resetting your router and updating firmware regularly.

Which routers are known to be affected by the VPNFilter malware?

According to security reports, affected routers include various models from Linksys, Netgear, QNAP, and TP-Link, among others. Users should be vigilant and consider the possibility that other models may also be at risk.

Mytour's content is for customer care and travel encouragement only, and we are not responsible.

For errors or inappropriate content, please contact us at: [email protected]