Top IoT Security Risk or Why You Must Update Router Firmware

When the FBI issues a warning, it’s a critical moment for every organization to audit its cybersecurity posture. A recent advisory from the Federal Bureau highlights a pervasive and easily exploitable risk: cybercriminals are actively targeting end-of-life (EOL) routers that no longer receive patches or security updates.

For companies focused on IoT security, this is a direct reminder that outdated hardware is more than just a bottleneck; it’s an open invitation to a breach.

IoT Security Starts Here: Why Router Is the Critical Link

Since the router is the absolute first line of defence for all connected systems, from remote sensors to critical infrastructure, the IoT security must begin here. If the router fails, all subsequent security measures are irrelevant.

An EOL router that has fallen off its vendor’s support list quickly becomes easy prey for sophisticated malware campaigns.

For businesses relying on outdated networking gear, the danger is clear: a compromised router can expose entire internal networks, disrupt operations, and create costly security breaches at the most foundational level. This is the core issue addressed by the end-of-life routers FBI warning.

The FBI recently noted that threat actors are exploiting EOL routers using variants of TheMoon malware. This attack vector is particularly insidious because, as the FBI reports, the malware does not require a password; it simply scans for open ports and sends a command to vulnerable, unpatched scripts.

Once compromised, these devices are used by criminals in proxy services - like Anyproxy and 5Socks to mask their identities while committing financial fraud, enabling IoT attacks, or targeting critical infrastructure. For full details on how routers are breached, refer to the official public service announcement from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3) on end-of-life router exploitation.

The Urgency of a Router Firmware Update

The best defence against this persistent threat, as recommended by the FBI, is to replace vulnerable devices immediately with modern, supported models. However, the core maintenance task for any supported device is simple yet paramount: you must continuously update router firmware.

Keeping an eye on your router’s lifecycle and consistently running a routine to update router firmware is non-negotiable because these updates are not mere feature upgrades; they are essential security patches. Manufacturers continuously identify and fix vulnerabilities, and threat actors are equally persistent in exploiting known flaws in older firmware versions.

When you skip updating router firmware​, you leave an open path for persistent malware that can establish a botnet or sell access to criminal enterprises. Furthermore, this router-based malware can be difficult for standard antivirus tools to detect, meaning running the latest firmware is often the most direct and effective form of protection.

How to Update Router Firmware for Teltonika devices

So, how do you update firmware on a router? Let’s dive in!

For industrial-grade devices like Teltonika‘s, the process of updating router firmware is streamlined for reliability. Teltonika continuously updates its RutOS operating system to eliminate vulnerabilities and add essential features, making the process straightforward whether you manage one device or hundreds.

You can easily access your router’s WebUI and navigate to the System section to initiate the update. Always make sure to check if the firmware is verified with Teltonika’s digital signature.

For ease of management, Teltonika devices offer two primary ways to perform a router firmware update. If your Teltonika router has an internet connection, you can use FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air), allowing the device to check for and apply the newest firmware directly from the server.

Alternatively, for large-scale operations and secure remote management, the Teltonika Remote Management System (RMS) allows you to manage and initiate router firmware updates for multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring operational continuity while keeping current device settings.

You can find detailed instructions on upgrading firmware via RMS in the Teltonika Networks documentation.

Teltonika's EOL Commitment

A manufacturer's EOL policy is a key indicator of its commitment to long-term IoT security. Unlike the EOL routers flagged in the FBI warning, Teltonika provides clear, public information outlining the minimum duration of firmware support for its products:

✔ Five Years of Support: Support is provided for a period of five years after the end of production date.

✔ Security & Bug Fixes: For 24 months after the end of production date, we provide security and bug fixes, so our clients can continue to update router firmware as usual.

✔ Critical Security Only: For the subsequent 36 months, we continue to provide critical security fixes and make our best efforts to provide customer support for these products.

This transparency is crucial because it allows customers to strategically plan for hardware migration before a device stops receiving crucial security patches. Customers should always check the published EOL policy and aim to replace hardware while it is still receiving active firmware updates and support to ensure their networks never operate on unsecured devices.

You can view the full list of products and policy details on the Teltonika Networks EOL page.

System Hardening Beyond Updating Router Firmware

While running the latest firmware is the foundation, it should be integrated into a comprehensive system hardening strategy to address all IoT security concerns. The FBI’s warning about EOL routers serves as a reminder to implement several crucial security measures that go beyond the software itself.

For instance, immediately changing default usernames and passwords is a must, as factory credentials are the easiest target for hackers.

Furthermore, the FBI specifically recommends disabling remote management/administration – a feature often left active – to prevent unauthorized external access, as this is a frequent entry point for threat actors.

However, for continuous operation and secure access, you should instead rely on secure remote monitoring platforms like Teltonika RMS or use secure VPN connections to access your devices.

Finally, you can enhance your protection by using VLAN segmentation to divide your network into distinct zones. This critical step isolates IoT devices from sensitive systems like workstations, drastically reducing potential damage and limiting an attacker’s ability to move laterally across the network should one segment be compromised.

By choosing modern, supported industrial routers and routinely updating router firmware, you ensure that your entire solution is built on a foundation of robust, long-term IoT security practices.

This proactive approach moves you past the vulnerabilities flagged by the end-of-life routers FBI warning. You may find more security tips in Teltonika’s Wiki page.