Table of Contents
Introduction: Joe’s Router Problem (who has an outdated router)
Let’s say Joe set up his home office years ago. His router still powers on, his Wi-Fi works, and he can check his email and stream TV. Everything seems fine. But under the surface, Joe’s old router is a sitting duck. Cybercriminals are now actively scanning the internet for outdated, unpatched, and end-of-life (EOL) routers to exploit. If Joe hasn’t updated his firmware—or worse, if his router is no longer supported—it’s not a matter of if he’ll be targeted, but when.
This isn’t just a problem for Joe. Businesses, remote workers, and even small retailers relying on older networking equipment are at risk. The good news? With the right steps, you can avoid becoming a statistic.
Why Outdated Routers Are a Cybersecurity Risk
Routers are the gatekeepers of your internet connection. They direct all of your online activity—emails, transactions, video calls, even smart devices—making them a prime target for attackers. When a router goes years without updates, vulnerabilities pile up. Hackers don’t need to discover new flaws; they can simply recycle old ones that still work on unpatched devices.
Worse, many routers have reached end-of-life status. That means the manufacturer has stopped issuing updates, leaving security holes permanently exposed. Think of it like driving a car with a known brake issue that will never be fixed—it’s dangerous every time you get on the road.
Routers That Are No Longer Safe
Recent reports identified several popular router families that attackers are heavily targeting. Many are still in use today, especially in small offices and home setups. These include:
- Cisco Small Business RV Series
Long a popular choice for small businesses, the RV line has now reached end-of-life. Without ongoing firmware support, these devices are defenseless against new exploits. - Linksys LRT Series
Once common in SMB environments, this series has also entered the EOL category. If you’re running one, replacement is your only secure option. - Araknis Networks AN-300-RT-4L2W
Another router that has officially gone EOL, leaving owners with no way to patch vulnerabilities.
If your equipment is on this list—or if you don’t know when your last update was applied—it’s time to take action immediately.
Joe’s Action Plan: Securing the Network
1. Keep Firmware Fresh
For supported devices, make a habit of checking for updates every few months. Manufacturers release patches for security flaws, and applying them is your first line of defense. Many modern routers can even auto-update, removing the burden from the user.
2. Replace End-of-Life Routers
If your device is officially unsupported, it’s time to retire it. Even if it still “works,” the absence of updates makes it unsafe. Cybercriminals love old hardware because they know the vulnerabilities will never be patched.
3. Disable Old and Unsafe Features
Legacy protocols like TELNET, SNMP, and Smart Install should be turned off unless absolutely necessary. These were designed in an era before today’s threat landscape and often transmit information without encryption.
4. Lock Down Access
Configure your firewall to block unnecessary traffic. Disable remote management unless you need it, and restrict router access to trusted users and devices.
5. Monitor Activity
Check logs for unusual activity, such as repeated login attempts or unknown devices connecting. Modern solutions often provide dashboards or even alerts when something looks suspicious.
Why Joe Should Care
Some people think, “I don’t have anything worth stealing.” The reality is, attackers don’t care who you are—they care that you’re vulnerable. An old router can be used to:
- Steal data – login credentials, financial information, or personal files.
- Spy on traffic – unpatched flaws allow attackers to intercept communications.
- Launch attacks on others – your router could become part of a botnet, helping attackers take down websites or spread malware.
- Compromise smart devices – from cameras to thermostats, anything connected to your router can be hijacked.
The cost of a breach, downtime, or lost trust far outweighs the cost of replacing outdated hardware.
Recommendations: Secure Router Upgrades from 5Gstore
At 5Gstore, we’ve helped businesses and individuals stay connected securely for nearly two decades. If it’s time to replace your outdated router, here are some strong options:
1. Peplink Routers
Peplink is known for its enterprise-grade security, reliability, and long firmware support lifecycle.
- Balance Series – Ideal for businesses needing high availability and failover.
- MAX Series – Designed for mobile and IoT use cases, with advanced security features.
- Surf SOHO – A secure option for home offices and small businesses.
Why Peplink? Regular firmware updates, robust VPN support, and features like SpeedFusion for bonded connections make them a top choice.
2. Cradlepoint Routers (Ericsson)
Cradlepoint offers carrier-certified solutions perfect for businesses that rely on cellular connectivity.
- AP22x/26x Series – Optimized for branch offices and retail environments.
- IBR Series – Rugged, compact routers built for IoT and mobile deployments.
Why Cradlepoint? They provide enterprise security features and integrate seamlessly with NetCloud, their cloud-based management platform.
3. Teltonika Networks Routers
Teltonika offers reliable, budget-friendly options without compromising on security.
- RUT Series – Versatile routers for industrial and small business use.
- TRB Series – Compact gateway devices for IoT connectivity.
Why Teltonika? Frequent firmware updates, wide carrier compatibility, and flexible price points.
Making the Switch
When you upgrade through 5Gstore, you’re not just buying hardware. You’re getting:
- 1 year of free, U.S.-based technical support (many of our engineers have 10+ years of experience).
- Peace of mind knowing your router is future-proofed against emerging threats.
- Super-fast shipping from our $2.5 million inventory—orders placed by 3 p.m. CST ship same day.
We’ll even help guide you through setup and ensure you’re getting the most from your new device.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Trouble
Joe might think his old router is “good enough,” but attackers are betting on that complacency. Outdated and unsupported routers are prime targets, and the consequences of a breach are far-reaching. Even the US Government has a bulletin.
The fix is simple:
- Update your firmware if your device is still supported.
- Retire end-of-life models immediately.
- Upgrade to a modern, secure router that’s actively maintained.
At 5Gstore, we’ve seen firsthand how the right networking gear can protect businesses, families, and critical infrastructure. Don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your connection today.
✅ Next Step: Browse 5Gstore’s Secure Router Selection and let our experts help you choose the right upgrade.
