{"id":89072,"date":"2018-05-23T16:10:25","date_gmt":"2018-05-23T23:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=89072"},"modified":"2025-08-13T01:32:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T08:32:12","slug":"new-vpnfilter-malware-infects-routers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/new-vpnfilter-malware-infects-routers\/","title":{"rendered":"New VPNFilter Malware Contains Kill Switch, Infects Over 500,000 Devices"},"content":{"rendered":"

Routers are the driving force behind a lot of our modern-day internet use. They power our Wi-Fi, and therefore our internet-connected devices. We rely on them day in and out, entrusting them with some of our most personal information. So when they\u2019re attacked, it can be cause for concern. Just today, that precise scenario has come to life, as it has been discovered<\/a> that more than half a million routers and storage devices in dozens of countries have been infected<\/a> with a piece of highly sophisticated IoT botnet malware called VPNFilter.<\/p>\n

Named after the directory the malware uses to hide on an infected device, VPNFilter first makes its way into a device through a reboot. Once it\u2019s inside, it gains a foothold on the infected device and then deploys the malware.<\/p>\n

VPNFilter has been designed with versatile capabilities, it attacks routers and other network-connected devices in order to steal credentials and other information exchanged across the network. It even contains a kill switch for routers, which means an attack could stop internet access for any devices tapping into that router.<\/p>\n

Security Steps to Stay Protected From VPNFilter<\/h2>\n

So far, over 500,000 devices have been infected by the malware in over 54 countries. Therefore, with this attack spreading rapidly, it\u2019s important to take security steps immediately in order to stay protected from VPNFilter. To do just that, follow these tips:<\/p>\n