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This Mytour article provides you with information on what VPNFilter malware is, preventive strategies, and insights into its operations.
Unveiling VPNFilter: Exploring the Definition and Countermeasures
VPNFilter Malware: Targeting Home and Small Business Routers with Persistence
Targeting routers and exploiting known vulnerabilities, VPNFilter infects devices, with a focus on Ukrainian devices. The group behind this malware is allegedly a unit of the Russian military known as Sofacy.
How does VPNFilter Malware Operate?
Once installed on a router, VPNFilter malware executes specific functions in three stages:
In its initial phase, the malicious software cleverly installs itself on vulnerable routers, ensuring persistence even when the router is turned off.
Once the malware is successfully installed, the second phase kicks in. Phase 2 empowers the attacker to execute commands, steal data, and potentially render the router and user's network non-functional through self-destructive capabilities.
As Phase 2 concludes, Phase 3 unfolds, involving the installation of various plugins into the malicious software. This allows for additional functionalities such as monitoring packets transmitted through the router and communicating via TOR.
Upon router reboot, Phase 1 continues its operation, while Phases 2 and 3 cease. This underscores the importance of advising users to restart their routers to disrupt the malicious software.
Does VPNFilter affect all router devices?
Not all routers are susceptible to VPNFilter. As of now, VPNFilter is known to infect routers used in businesses, small offices, including brands like Linksys, MikroTik, Netgear, and TP-Link, as well as network storage devices like NAS.
Below is a list of router devices prone to VPNFilter malware:
- Linksys E1200
- Linksys E2500
- Linksys WRVS4400N
- Cloud Core Router Mikrotik: versions 1016, 1036, and 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
If you're using any of the devices listed above, visit the manufacturer's support page to check for updates and learn how to safeguard against VPNFilter. Typically, updating to the latest firmware is a helpful solution to shield your device from VPNFilter attacks.
Preventing VPNFilter Malware
There are various ways to eliminate VPNFilter and secure your router device. Restarting the router only disrupts Phases 2 and 3, so the solution is to reset the router to its original factory state to eradicate VPNFilter entirely. If you're unsure how to reset your router or modem, refer to the reset modem article for guidance on your specific device.
After the reset process, proceed to change login credentials and disable remote access. Your information may have been compromised during the attack, so blocking remote access can prevent future potential breaches.
This article from Mytour provides insights into what VPNFilter malware is, how to prevent it, and suggests resetting your router to its original factory state to eliminate any malicious software on your device. Wishing you success.
