Recently, the FBI released a public service announcement that should make every homeowner and business owner sit up and take notice: your old router could be helping hackers.

On May 7, 2025, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3 (read the whole PSA here) released a PSA warning that foreign-based threat actors are targeting outdated routers—the kind commonly found in homes, small offices, and even some medical and retail settings.

Most people only think about their routers when the Wi-Fi stops working. But this PSA is a stark reminder: even if your router “works,” it could be silently helping bad actors attack others online—or worse, giving them a foothold into your network.

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🧾 FBI’s Key Points

The FBI is specifically warning about:

• Routers that are no longer supported (end-of-life).
• Devices not receiving security updates or patches.
• Exploitation of vulnerabilities in unpatched routers to form botnets, launch DDoS attacks, and hide malicious traffic.
• The false sense of security people have because these routers still function normally.

In short: If it’s old and unpatched, it’s vulnerable—period.

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🛑 Popular Routers That Are Already EOL (End-of-Life)

These devices no longer receive firmware or security updates and should be replaced immediately:

🔒 Home Routers (EOL)

• Netgear WNR1000, R6300, R7000 (some firmware variants)
• Linksys WRT54G (legendary, but ancient)
• TP-Link TL-WR841N, Archer C5/C7 (early models)
• D-Link DIR-615, DIR-655
• Belkin N300, N600 series
• Asus RT-N66U, RT-AC66U (early versions)

🏢 Business / SOHO Routers & Firewalls (EOL)

• Cisco RV042, RV320, RV082
• SonicWall TZ 100, 200, 215, 205 (Gen 5 models)
• WatchGuard XTM Series (25, 33, 515, etc.)
• MikroTik RB2011 (early versions)
• Netgear ProSafe FVS318G

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⚠️ Devices on Borrowed Time (Still Working, But Aging Fast)

These devices still receive some support but are showing signs of aging and may not be safe for much longer:

⚠️ Home Routers on Borrowed Time

• Netgear Nighthawk R6400, R7000 (depends on firmware version)
• TP-Link Archer C7, C9
• Asus RT-AC68U
• Google Nest WiFi (1st gen)
• Eero (1st Gen)

⚠️ Small Business Routers on Borrowed Time

• Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X ✅ Still supported as of now, but no advanced security capabilities.
• Cisco RV340 (some models EOL in 2025)
• SonicWall TZ 300, 400 (Gen 6)
• MikroTik hAP ac2
• WatchGuard Firebox T15 (reaching EOL in near future)

If your device is on this list and more than 5 years old, it’s worth considering an upgrade—especially if it’s handling business-critical or sensitive information.

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🔐 What Should You Use Instead?

At DarkHorse, we recommend upgrading to a modern firewall that includes advanced threat protection. That’s why we’re offering a great deal on WatchGuard Fireboxes:

✅ Why We Like WatchGuard Fireboxes:

• No upfront hardware cost.
• You only pay for the security services you need.
• No contracts.
• When your Firebox reaches end-of-life, you simply roll into a new model—just purchase a new subscription.
• Includes features like:
  • Intrusion Prevention
  • DNS filtering
  • Geo-blocking
  • Deep Packet Inspection
  • AI-powered threat detection

Whether you’re protecting a family or running a business, this is a game-changer compared to old consumer-grade routers.

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🧠 BONUS TIP: One More Way to Extend Windows 10 Life Safely

If you’ve been listening to our weekly segment on KFGO, you know we’ve been covering the upcoming end of support for Windows 10. Many of our business and residential clients can’t upgrade yet—especially those with proprietary or specialty software.

💡 Here’s the Good News: Meet 0patch

0patch is a service that provides micropatches for known security vulnerabilities, even after Microsoft ends official support. These patches are:

• Tiny (hence the name “micro-patch”)
• Targeted to fix just the issue—no big updates or restarts
• Continuously updated

We’re excited to announce that DarkHorse will be partnering with 0patch to offer this option to clients who:

• Still rely on Windows 10
• Have legacy systems they can’t upgrade
• Want to stay secure without costly custom development or software overhauls

If you’re stuck on Windows 10, this is a viable, secure, and affordable path forward.

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✅ Take Action Today

You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked—and in 2025, an old router is basically a wide-open door to your network.

🔍 Not sure what you’re running? Let us check for you. We’ll help you figure out:

• If your router or firewall is still safe
• If your Windows devices are properly patched
• What your best upgrade path looks like

And remember: we’re not here to push unnecessary gear or contracts—just to make sure you’re safe and your tech is working for you, not against you.

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📞 Ready to upgrade your security?
📍 Serving Moorhead, Fargo, and surrounding areas.

— The DarkHorse Team

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📣 Don’t forget to check out our weekly tech talk on KFGO, every Tuesday from 7:45–8:00 a.m.
And for more deep dives like this one, head over to our blog!

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