In today’s evolving cyber threat landscape, outdated technology can become a company’s weakest link. At CyberStreams, we specialize in protecting small and medium-sized businesses from cyberattacks and a recent alert from the FBI reinforces the urgency of that mission. In May 2025, the FBI issued a stark warning to businesses and individuals alike: replace end-of-life (EOL) routers immediately, or risk becoming the next victim of cybercrime.

The Growing Threat of EOL Routers

EOL routers, devices that no longer receive firmware or security updates from their manufacturers are prime targets for hackers. These devices, which often include older models from brands like Linksys and Cisco, are being actively exploited using sophisticated malware.

The FBI’s alert specifically called out the Linksys E1200 and Cisco E1000 as common targets of TheMoon malware, which was first discovered in 2014. This malware turns infected routers into proxies for anonymized internet services such as 5Socks and Anyproxy (both seized by the FBI in 2025), allowing cybercriminals to mask their identity and conduct illegal activities like data theft, fraud, and ransomware attacks.

According to the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of all breaches in 2024 involved outdated systems. In one significant 2023 incident, hackers used EOL routers to steal cryptocurrency wallets from small businesses causing millions in losses (Zscaler, 2024).

Why Are EOL Routers So Dangerous?

Most routers manufactured before 2015 are no longer supported with critical patches or firmware updates. As a result, they are riddled with known vulnerabilities. Making matters worse, many of these devices have remote management enabled by default, allowing attackers to bypass weak credentials and take control from anywhere in the world.

Signs that your router may be compromised include:

• Overheating

• Spotty or degraded internet connectivity

• Changes in router settings you didn’t make

Unfortunately, these signs can be subtle, and since antivirus software doesn't scan routers, infections often go unnoticed. Rebooting the device or disabling remote management can help temporarily, but discarding and replacing EOL routers is the only reliable defense.

What Should Businesses Do Next?

At CyberStreams, we offer comprehensive solutions to help businesses identify and address these vulnerabilities. Here are three essential steps to take immediately:

1. Replace EOL Routers Now

Conduct a full inventory of your network. If any routers are dated 2015 or earlier, replace them with supported, secure models. CyberStreams offers a Cyber Fit Assessment to help identify high-risk devices.

2. Disable Remote Management

Log into your router's admin settings and disable remote administration. Reboot your devices regularly. Our managed firewall solutions go further, actively preventing, detecting, and responding to threats at the perimeter.

3. Monitor for Signs of Compromise

Watch for performance issues or configuration changes. CyberStreams’ Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) service helps detect and neutralize threats across your network infrastructure, including routers.

Conclusion

The FBI’s recent alert is a wake-up call: Outdated routers are not just a technical liability, they are a gateway for cybercriminals. If your business is using unsupported hardware, you’re exposing your data, your clients, and your reputation to significant risk. At CyberStreams, we're committed to helping businesses stay one step ahead of emerging threats. Now is the time to replace vulnerable devices, secure your infrastructure, and partner with a cybersecurity team that understands the stakes.

Don't wait for a breach to force your hand. Let us help you secure your network before hackers do.