If you own a Netgear Nighthawk gaming router, stop what you’re doing and update your firmware immediately. Netgear has released patches for critical vulnerabilities (CVSS 9.8 out of 10!) that allow hackers to take over your router remotely—no password required.

The Affected Devices

The vulnerabilities impact the following Netgear devices:

WiFi-6 Access Points (CVSS 9.6 – Authentication Bypass)

• WAX214v2
• WAX206
• WAX220

Nighthawk Gaming Routers (CVSS 9.8 – Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution)

• XR500
• XR1000
• XR1000v2

Steve Gibson from grc.com explains what is going on with Netgear Routers.

The Race Is On – Hackers Are Scanning for Unpatched Routers

The moment a security flaw like this is disclosed, cybercriminals scramble to exploit as many devices as possible before owners apply the fix. If your router is vulnerable and unpatched, you are at serious risk—attackers could steal personal data, intercept traffic, or even use your router as part of a botnet.

🚨 You need to act NOW. 🚨

How to Update Your Netgear Router

Follow these steps to patch your router and secure your network:

Step 1: Log In to Your Router

1. Open a web browser and go to http://www.routerlogin.net
2. Enter your admin username and password (if you haven’t changed it, check your router’s label for the default).

Step 2: Check for Firmware Updates

1. Navigate to Advanced > Administration > Firmware Update
2. Click Check for Updates
3. If an update is available, download and install it

Step 3: Manual Update (If Needed)

If the automatic update doesn’t work:

1. Visit Netgear’s official site: https://www.netgear.com/support/
2. Search for your router model (e.g., XR500, XR1000)
3. Download the latest firmware
4. Return to your router’s Firmware Update section and manually upload the file

Step 4: Secure Your Router Settings

Since you’re already logged in, let’s lock down your router’s security while we’re here:

🔒 Disable Web-Based Management

• This prevents hackers from remotely accessing your router’s settings.

🔒 Turn Off uPnP (Universal Plug and Play)

• This feature has been a security nightmare for years. Disable it.

🔒 Use Strong WiFi Encryption

• Make sure WPA2 or WPA3 is enabled—never use WEP or “Open” networks.

🔒 Use a Secure DNS Provider

• Under LAN > DHCP Settings, find the DNS section. Instead of using your ISP’s default, switch to a trusted DNS provider like:
  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
  • Quad9 DNS: 9.9.9.9
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1

🔒 Change the Router’s Admin Password

• If you’re still using the default admin/password, change it now to something strong.

🔒 Enable a Guest Network for IoT Devices

• Smart devices (lights, plugs, cameras, etc.) often have poor security.
• Create a separate guest network just for IoT devices, keeping them away from your computers and phones.

Need Help? DarkHorse IT Has You Covered!

If this sounds overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. At DarkHorse IT, we stay ahead of these threats, monitor security updates, and make sure our clients are protected before hackers get a chance to attack.

📞 Need assistance? Call us today to secure your network before it’s too late.

Stay safe,
DarkHorse IT

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🔒 #CyberSecurity #Netgear #WiFiSecurity #UpdateNow #DarkHorseIT #Fargo #Moorhead #TechSupport

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