FBI Warning: People In Wisconsin Now Targeted For Cyber Attacks At Home

When was the last time you could go an entire week without reading about another scam that could impact your life? I can't remember the last time because scammers are seemingly everywhere, trying new and creative ways to rip us off.

Earlier this month, Wisconsin residents were warned of a scam that involved residents getting fake invoices from city departments such as the Planning & Zoning Commission. The scammers' goal was to make residents pay the invoices so they could pocket the money.

Most of these scams occur when criminals call victims, or send texts or emails, and a lot of the time, it's fairly easy to tell when you're being targeted for a scam. However, a recent scam that is happening in Wisconsin and throughout the country can happen to you without your knowledge.

There are no calls, texts, or emails, and victims are being targeted in their own homes.

FBI Warns Of Cyber Attacks On Personal Networks

Most people are now aware of malware. Malware, short for malicious software, is defined as any program or code designed to harm a computer, network, or server. It can take various forms, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can steal data, disrupt normal operations, or even encrypt files, demanding a ransom for their release.

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Recently, the FBI has been warning people of increased reports of TheMoon malware, which first surfaced in 2014. This dangerous malware targets people who have outdated routers in their homes or businesses. The outdated routers are no longer receiving security or other updates from manufacturers, which leaves them vulnerable to cyber threats.

Criminals have been exploiting these weaknesses to install malware on private devices. Once they infiltrate systems, the cyber criminals can cause disruption and gain unauthorized access, often to steal money or sensitive information from users.

The malware also communicates with a command and control (C2) server, which issues instructions that include directing the infected device to search for additional vulnerable routers, allowing the infection to spread and the network to grow.

Which Routers Are Vulnerable To This Malware?

According to the FBI, if you have a router from 2010 or earlier, you're vulnerable to this cyber attack, and you should replace it right away.

While any router from 2010 or earlier is vulnerable, the FBI included a list of specific router models that seem to be targeted the most. The full list is below, and it includes models like the Linksys E1200, E2500, WRT610N, and M10.

• E1200
• E2500
• E1000
• E4200
• E1500
• E300
• E3200
• WRT320N
• E1550
• WRT610N
• E100
• M10
• WRT310N

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People are urged to check their routers to ensure that they are still receiving security updates from the manufacturer, which lowers the chance of becoming a target of this cyberattack.