Nearly 1,200 residential routers have been identified by the FBI as part of a criminal network, highlighting a growing concern about home Wi-Fi security. These compromised devices were utilized as “residential proxies,” allowing criminals to conceal their identities while engaging in illegal activities online.
Many individuals may remain unaware if their home network has been infiltrated, as compromised routers often continue to function normally. To check for unauthorized access, users should log into their router's dashboard, typically accessible via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, and examine the list of connected devices. Any unfamiliar device should prompt further investigation.
Experts emphasize the importance of changing the default administrator password and keeping router firmware updated to mitigate security risks. A significant number of routers still operate with factory settings, which are widely known to attackers. By taking these simple steps, homeowners can strengthen their network security against potential threats.