How to Recover Access to a Blocked Linksys Account
Linksys is currently forcibly resetting passwords for anyone with an account with their Smart Wi-Fi service. This behavior may sound random or even disturbing, but it is part of Linksys’ efforts to mitigate malware attacks targeting users earlier in April.
According to Linksys , hackers used credential-filled attacks to gain control of at least 1,200 routers and redirect connected devices to malware- infected web pages filled with coronavirus- related phishing scams . Linksys noticed suspicious activity and dropped credentials for all Smart Wi-Fi users to prevent further attacks, but that also means users were unceremoniously kicked out of their accounts, even if their passwords weren’t compromised.
How to change your Linksys router password
Even if you weren’t asked to reset your Smart Wi-Fi account password – or you can’t remember whether you did it or not – it doesn’t hurt to do it right now. You can update your password by following this link or by clicking Forgot Password in the Linksys mobile app or the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi web page .
It should be noted that resetting your Linksys password does not necessarily mean that you are the victim of a credential flood attack. Linksys is contacting users potentially affected by this, but all Smart Wi-Fi accounts should have been blocked as a precaution.
However, if you’ve been exposed to this attack and some malware tweaked your router’s DNS settings to point you to fake websites, Linksys will reset those settings back to normal. It’s still good to test these settings yourself, which you can do from your router’s admin page (or the companion app).
It’s also wise to check your various accounts through “ Have I been taken? »And don’t forget to change any passwords that use the same login information as your Linksys account. Using unique passwords for each application, website, or service provider you use may seem tedious, but it is a necessary strategy to prevent unwanted access to your account. Plus, you can always use an encrypted password manager, so you don’t have to remember and enter dozens of unique logins. (Yes, and remember to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.)
The final step to take is to install a reliable anti -malware app on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network and scan for any potential malware that might have been downloaded due to a jailbreak. As always, never download or run files you didn’t expect to receive, especially if they magically flew through your browser when you tried to access a regular website like disney.com or netflix.com.
[ Threatpost ]