FBI Chinese hacker warning: The FBI warns Chinese hackers are gearing up for a massive attack against our U.S. infrastructure. Under the “Volt Typhoon” mission, these hackers have already infiltrated our telecom, energy and water sectors in an attempt to wreak havoc and induce panic. Now, they’re just waiting for “the right moment” to strike big time. Get this: For every cybersecurity pro the FBI has, there are at least 50 Chinese hackers. Have a just-in-case plan. It’s important.
Chinese hackers are going after American routers - How to protect yours
Your router is a crucial part of your home’s connection. It’s the primary way the internet gets into your house, and it sends out the Wi-Fi signal that connects all your wireless devices.
Has it been years since you updated your router? We put together a quick quiz to help you choose the perfect model for your home and needs. This is a must if your connection is spotty and your router isn’t equipped with the latest security standards. Tap or click here to take our router-finder quiz.
Even if your firmware is up to date, your router is still vulnerable to attack. No system is impenetrable, and the issue gets compounded when professional hackers from other countries get involved. Read on to see why Chinese hackers are targeting routers here in the U.S. and what you can do about it.
American networks are under attack
You might think your house is of no particular value to Chinese hackers. While that might be true, it isn’t always about what’s on the network but more about what it connects to. According to joint research from the FBI, NSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Chinese hackers have been poking around U.S communication networks for over two years.
This includes home Wi-Fi routers, telephone networks and online storage. The goal isn’t to hack into these devices but to use them as part of a massive network of compromised infrastructure. Hackers can then use the combined power to launch attacks on critical and military targets, steal login credentials or hijack banking information.
According to the research paper, the People’s Republic of China has been exploiting “a wide variety of targets worldwide, including public and private sector organizations” since 2020. The majority of the targets are in the U.S.
What you can do about it
In its report, the U.S. cybersecurity agency says Chinese hackers exploit known and unpatched vulnerabilities, tunneling their way through the network to collect and redirect traffic.
Hacking is complex, but there is one crucial thing you can do to keep safe or minimize your risk of an attack. You must update your router’s firmware each and every time a patch is available.
Unlike your computer or phone, you won’t get warning after warning when it’s time to update. We recommend checking at least every couple of months. Put a reminder on your calendar to do this quarterly. Bonus points if you schedule a monthly check. It only takes a few moments.
Here’s how to secure your home network and keep your devices safe:
Is it worth paying for a Costco or Sam's Club membership to save on gas?
With gas prices climbing to alarming heights, electric vehicle manufacturers take this as their time to shine.
What is the true cost of ownership when it comes to EVs? You don’t need to fill them up with gas, but they need a power source. And that isn’t free. Aside from that, the infrastructure is not quite there yet, so you may need to drive longer to find a charger. Tap or click here to check out our report before deciding on an EV.
The 3G shutdown impacts more than just your phone - These devices may stop working
While you don’t always need the latest and greatest tech gadgets, there are times when the need to upgrade is essential. This is the case for many people, with cellular networks phasing out the 3G standard. Older smartphones will lose most of their essential functions, including the ability to make and receive calls and texts.
True or false: Charging an electric vehicle is cheaper than paying for gas
Like them or not, electric vehicles are gaining in popularity. Car manufacturers produce more electric versions of existing models and create new ones built from the ground up to run on batteries. Expect to see more EVs on the road with each passing year.
Struggling with bad internet? Try the FCC's new speed test
Everybody needs a fast and stable internet connection. Unfortunately, there are still tons of people who struggle with broadband. Whether it is through failing infrastructure or simply being too remote, a steady connection is not always available. Slow internet? The FCC wants to know – tap or click here to report it.
Scam VPN app is bringing in $1M per month - Is it on your phone?
Apple’s iOS infrastructure is fairly robust when it comes to app downloads and services. Unlike third-party platforms, Apple’s App Store is guarded against malicious apps or those that don’t meet the requirements.
5G utility boxes are going up in front yards without notice
How shocked would you be if an unsightly metal utility box popped up on your front lawn — seemingly overnight? These boxes are not part of an elaborate inter-state art project and have nothing to do with the mysterious monoliths.
Americans will pay $32K for internet over a lifetime. Here are 3 ways to cut your bill
If you feel like you’re paying an arm and a leg for internet every month, you’re not imagining things. Americans really do pay more for internet service over a lifetime than almost any other country on earth.
Our internet isn’t exactly the fastest or most stable compared to other countries, so why the high costs? It isn’t government-subsidized for starters, and service providers take a decent sized cut of the profit. Tap or click here to see how to reduce your data usage.
Your Wi-Fi is about to get a major upgrade
America’s physical infrastructure may have seen better days, but our digital infrastructure has proven resilient enough to handle a seismic shift in internet traffic.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become a new norm for many people. Companies who were able to make the shift have taken their entire operations online, which has put significant strain on home networks. Tap or click here to see how at-home workers could slow your internet down.