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Avast Says my Router is Vulnerable: 6 Methods to Resolve

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Avast Antivirushas aWi-Fiinspector feature that scans routers. If that scan detects a vulnerability, it will warn users with messages like your router is infected or your wireless network is not secure.

SuchAvast Antivirusmessages highlight that your router may have been hacked somehow.

What’s the big deal about a hacked router?

It’s a big deal when somebody has hacked (breached) your router. When a hacker has breached your router, that person can collect data you enter into HTTP websites, such as passwords and numbers. Thus, website login details can potentially be compromised as a consequence.

Furthermore, the router hacker can also change your DNS settings. By doing so, your internet traffic can be rerouted to fake data-grabbing (pharming) websites. From such pharming websites, you can also download all kinds of malware.

The Tell-tell signs of a compromised router

However, don’t immediately panic ifAvast Antivirusor other security software says your router is vulnerable (not secure). Sometimes such a warning might be a false positive (false alarm). These are some of the signs of an infected router:

WhenAvast Antivirus, or other software, raises router alarm bells, you can’t afford to ignore such warnings if the tell-tell signs above are also apparent. So these are some things you should do when yourWi-Firouter internet connection has been compromised.

What should I do when my router is vulnerable?

1. Run a malware scan

Run a malware scan to check for and eradicate any malware that might have been planted on your PC due to a compromisedWi-Firouter.

Malwarebytesis one of the best-dedicated malware scanners available. Furthermore, there’s also a freeware Malwarebytes version you can utilize.

Malwarebytes incorporates an advanced scanner that can detect and purge five types of malware.

The premium package packs in a real-time scanner that automatically detects malware. Its users can also schedule regular scans for specified times.

Other Malwarebytes features

⇒Get Malwarebytes

2. Reset your router

3. Change your router’s password and SSID name

4. Update your router’s firmware

5. Switch to Google DNS

6. Disable Remote Desktop

What precautions should I take?

To ensure your router remains secure in the first instance, there are additional preventive measures you can take. First, ensure your router has WPA2/WPA3 encryption enabled. You should also activate Stealth Mode if your router has one.

Your router might also have a built-in firewall. If so, you should enable that firewall. To do so, you’ll need to find firewall settings within your router’s firmware configuration page.

So, that’s how you can fix a vulnerable (hacked)router in Windows. It’s also recommended users with compromised routers contact their ISPs (internet service providers). Your ISP can provide further advice and guidance when your wireless network is not secure.

Avast Says my Router is Vulnerable: 6 Methods to Resolve#

What’s the big deal about a hacked router?#

The Tell-tell signs of a compromised router#

What should I do when my router is vulnerable?#

1. Run a malware scan#

2. Reset your router#

3. Change your router’s password and SSID name#

4. Update your router’s firmware#

5. Switch to Google DNS#

6. Disable Remote Desktop#

What precautions should I take?#