FBI's statement is scary, the risk is also valid for Türkiye: Someone is watching us! 'Even the TV in the bedroom is a threat'

We often only notice the presence of modems in our homes when the internet slows down or goes out completely. In such cases, our first reaction is usually to turn the modem off and on again or to call the customer service of the internet provider.

However, we should not forget that these small devices do not only provide internet connection, but are actually at the heart of all digital communication in the home. Research conducted in the UK shows that modems used carelessly can become a 'back door' for cyber hackers. Similarly, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued an important warning on this subject.

The FBI announced that 13 older modem models, especially those belonging to the Linksys brand, are no longer supported by the manufacturer and have become the primary targets of hackers. The agency recommends that these modems be replaced immediately with models that continue to receive manufacturer support and security updates. The FBI also emphasized that disabling the 'remote management' feature is not enough.

It is also possible to see that these models are still sold on online shopping sites in our country. In other words, the risk is very close to us. In short, the security gaps created by modems are a global threat. This brings with it many important questions:

*Do we have to renew our modems every year?

*Users change their Wi-Fi name and password, but leave the default username and password in the modem interface the same. Does this invite external intervention?

*What information can a hacker access through a compromised modem?

*What should a user do if they think their modem or router has been hacked? We have examined many questions like these with Marmara University Faculty of Communication Visual Communication Design Department Head and Information Technologies Expert Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık , and the danger is much greater than expected!

'SOME SELLERS ARE TRYING TO DELIVER THEIR REMAINING STOCK'

Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, drawing attention to the fact that the same danger is valid for our country, said, “If the modem model is old and the manufacturer no longer sends software updates, these devices carry the same risks worldwide. In other words, a modem that is seen as a threat in the US can be targeted by cyber pirates in the same way in Turkey. The fact that such devices are still being sold on the internet is a big problem in terms of security. Unfortunately, some sellers are trying to liquidate their remaining stocks.”

“Therefore, ‘working’ does not make a device safe,” said Prof. Dr. Kırık, “Whether the modem is up to date or not, whether it has software support or not is much more important. When shopping, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the price, but also to the technical support and security status. Otherwise, the internet connection in our home can suddenly fall under the control of malicious people.”

'IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO CHANGE THE MODEM EVERY YEAR, BUT...'

Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, who said that it is not necessary to change the modem every year but that the software updates should be checked regularly, said, “Technology usually changes within 3-5 years and security gaps emerge. If the modem software is not updated or the manufacturer has stopped supporting it, that device is no longer secure.”

'WHEN THE MODEM IS HANDLED, THE HACKER ENTERED THE HOUSE THROUGH THE VIRTUAL DOOR'

One of the most curious topics is this: What devices and information connected to the network can a hacker access via a modem they have hijacked? Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, who said, “When a modem is hijacked, the hacker has entered through the virtual door of your home,” underlined the following information:

-- It can try to gain remote access to all devices connected to your network. It can find an easier way to infiltrate through smart TVs, cameras or old phones, especially those with weak security. It can also pass to other devices in the house through these devices.

-- So not only the computer, even the television in the bedroom can become a threat. Because as long as the network is the same, the attacker will look for ways to reach all devices. Therefore, the password of every device on the network should be strong, their software should be kept up to date and the security of the modem should be ensured first.

PASSWORDS, ADDRESSES AND OTHER INFORMATION ARE BEING STOLEN WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE

“Since connections made via HTTP are not encrypted, this type of data passing through the modem can be easily monitored,” warned Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık , “In other words, many personal information such as username, password, address, e-mail can be stolen. If a hacker has seized the modem, they can easily see and misuse this information.” “HTTPS provides encrypted communication, but it may not always be secure,” said Prof. Dr. Kırık, “If the modem is hacked, you can be directed to a fake HTTPS site and your information can be stolen. Therefore, modem security is very important not only in terms of speed but also data security. No matter how careful we are, a weak modem puts everything at risk.”

SIGNS THAT YOUR MODEM MAY HAVE BEEN HACKED According to Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, if you have one or more of the following symptoms, your modem may have been the target of a cyber attack:

1- If your internet connection slows down for no reason

2- If the modem lights are constantly flashing even when you are not using the internet

3- If strange or unknown sites open on your browser by themselves

4- If you notice applications on your phone or computer that you did not install

5- If you cannot access the modem interface (administration panel)

6- If your DNS settings have changed

7- If unknown devices appear connected to your network, you should be careful.

These symptoms may indicate that your router or home network has been subject to a cyberattack.

7 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A MODEM

Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık listed the important technical features that should be considered for a secure and sustainable internet connection as follows:

1- When purchasing a new modem , check if the device still receives software updates from the manufacturer. Software updates play a critical role in closing security vulnerabilities and improving the performance of the device.

2- The reliability of the modem manufacturer is very important. It should be examined how the manufacturer has responded to past security vulnerabilities and user feedback.

3- Modems that support up-to-date and secure protocols such as WPA3 should be preferred. These protocols make your device's network more secure against cyber attacks.

4- Check if the modem has international safety certificates such as CE, FCC. These certificates show that the device has passed safety tests and complies with certain safety standards worldwide.

5- The user interface of the modem should be understandable and the management panel should have a user-friendly design. An easy interface will make it easier for you to manage the device and solve potential problems.

6- The modem should offer strong encryption options (e.g. AES-256 encryption). Strong encryption helps protect your internet traffic from external interference.

7- Although the price of the modem is important, it is not right to focus only on its speed and price. Factors such as security and long-term software support should be decisive in modem selection.

Recently, 'mesh technology' has been used to eliminate blind spots in homes where WiFi does not receive signal. With network products that have mesh technology, it is possible to solve many problems regarding WiFi with a magical touch. So, could mesh systems be causing security vulnerabilities?

Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık answered my question with, “Mesh systems really solve wireless network problems. They are an ideal solution for large homes or places where the signal is weak. However, these devices also work wirelessly and are software-based systems,” and added, “In other words, they need security as much as a modem. If they do not receive updates or their passwords are left weak, they can also be targeted by hackers. There are also many cheap and insecure mesh devices on the market. These products, which are purchased only by looking at their prices, come with security vulnerabilities.”

Photos: iStock