Most small businesses do not think about their router until the internet stops working.
If employees can open email, process payments, reach cloud applications, and join video calls, the router appears to be doing its job. Unfortunately, a router can continue moving internet traffic even when it is outdated, unsupported, or vulnerable.
That concern became more concrete in March 2026, when the FBI issued an alert about AVrecon malware infecting small-office and home-office routers. The FBI reported that the activity affected many router models from several well-known manufacturers.
For a business owner, the lesson is straightforward: internet access alone does not tell you whether the equipment connecting your business to the internet is still secure.
Routers contain software called firmware. Firmware controls how the device operates, handles connections, and applies security protections.
Manufacturers release firmware updates to correct problems and close security weaknesses. Eventually, however, every model reaches its end of life. That means the manufacturer may stop issuing updates, even when new weaknesses are discovered.
The FBI noted that end-of-life devices generally do not receive patches for known vulnerabilities. It also warned that installing an available update may not automatically remove malware if a device has already been compromised.
This does not mean every older router is infected. It means businesses should know what equipment they have and whether it is still supported instead of assuming that a blinking status light equals good security.
An infected router can be used without producing an obvious warning on an employee’s screen.
Criminals may route their activity through the device, use it as part of a larger malicious network, or attempt to reach other systems. Because the traffic appears to come from an ordinary business internet connection, the activity can be harder to recognize.
A compromised or poorly secured router may contribute to:
The business impact can include downtime, interrupted customer service, lost productivity, and uncertainty about what else may have been affected.
Small-business owners do not need to diagnose router malware themselves. They should, however, be able to get clear answers to five questions.
Record the manufacturer, exact model, approximate installation date, and who manages it.
Check whether the manufacturer continues to provide security updates. If the device is at end of life, create a replacement plan.
Updates should be handled through the manufacturer’s official process or by the company’s IT provider. Avoid downloading router software from unfamiliar websites.
Remote administration allows someone to manage the router from outside the office. The FTC recommends turning it off when it is not needed. When the business does require remote management, access should be tightly controlled.
The router’s administrator password should not be the manufacturer’s default, the regular Wi-Fi password, or a password shared among employees.
Start with an inventory. Routers, firewalls, wireless access points, switches, cameras, and other connected equipment should have an owner, an installation date, and a support status.
Then review the basics:
If a router behaves unusually or may already be compromised, avoid experimenting with random online instructions. Contact qualified IT support so the device and surrounding network can be assessed in the correct order.
A small business should not wait for complete equipment failure before replacing its internet gateway.
Planned replacement makes it possible to review compatibility, document settings, schedule downtime, and test the new equipment. An emergency replacement during a busy workday usually costs more in disruption and rushed decisions.
The right replacement schedule depends on the model, manufacturer support, business requirements, and security history. The important point is that someone should be tracking those factors.
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