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A hacked/compromised router is the worst thing that can happen to computer users.
Any computing device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, refrigerator) sitting behind a compromised router can be attacked in every known way.
Needless to say, a router can be used for spying, not just on normally insecure communications but its also a perfect host for man-in-the-middle attacks on supposedly secure communication (SSL/TLS/HTTPS).
Compromised routers can send victims to scam versions of websites, a great way to collect passwords. In August, Jeff Atwood wrote about two people whose routers were hacked. One router modified web pages to show extra ads, another tricked a victim into installing a hacked version of the Chrome browser. And, of course, a router can be used to install malware on computers too. Did your last Flash update really come from Adobe? How would you know?
(Score: 2) by LoRdTAW on Thursday November 12 2015, @01:44PM
Tell that to my mother who for a long time couldn't fully grasp the concept of having more than one window open. She was the kind of person who would have 50 instances of calculator open. Not her fault, she never used a computer until she was in her late 40's. Of course she has me to help her when she needs it but many people don't have that luxury.
This is why Verizon thankfully uses random passwords on their newer Fios routers.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday November 12 2015, @01:53PM
Oh, it's trivial to secure the router. It just takes removing one plug. The only downside is that this also makes it much less useful. ;-)
(Score: 1) by termigator on Thursday November 12 2015, @08:58PM
And verizon stores that password on their servers. The more secure thing is to disable wireless on the verizon router and use your own access point.