D-Link Zero-Day Exposed: Legacy Routers Under Active Attack

On January 2, 2026, security researchers disclosed CVE-2026-0625—a critical D-Link Zero-Day vulnerability affecting multiple D-Link DSL router models that have reached end-of-life status. With a CVSS score of 9.8 out of 10, this flaw enables unauthenticated remote code execution, allowing attackers to completely compromise vulnerable devices without any user interaction.

As per recent reports, at this very moment thousands of D-Link DSL routers across homes and small businesses worldwide are under active attack. The vulnerability is critical, exploitation is real, and the most alarming part is that there’s no patch coming.

The affected models—primarily the D-Link DSL-2740R and DSL-2640B—are legacy devices that D-Link stopped supporting years ago. No firmware updates are coming. No security patches will be released. If you’re using one of these routers, you’re operating on borrowed time.

According to internet scanning data from Greynoise Intelligence, active exploitation began within 72 hours of public disclosure. Threat actors are systematically scanning the internet for vulnerable devices, exploiting the flaw to install backdoors, hijack DNS settings, and recruit routers into botnets for larger attack campaigns.

The vulnerability leverages the HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol)—a supposedly convenient feature that has become a critical security liability. By sending specially crafted SOAP requests to the router’s administrative interface, attackers can bypass authentication entirely and execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

This isn’t a theoretical risk or a proof-of-concept demonstration. This is active, widespread exploitation targeting consumer and small business networks globally. And if your router is vulnerable, your entire network is already compromised or will be soon.

Understanding D-Link Zero-Day: The Technical Deep Dive

What Makes CVE-2026-0625 Vulnerability So Critical?

CVE-2026-0625 represents a perfect storm of security failures. Let’s break down why this vulnerability is so dangerous:

Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution: The attacker doesn’t need credentials, prior access, or any form of authentication. The vulnerability exists in the router’s external interface, meaning anyone on the internet can exploit it. According to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), this combination—unauthenticated access plus RCE—represents one of the most severe vulnerability classes.

CVSS Score 9.8 (Critical): The Common Vulnerability Scoring System assigns this flaw a 9.8 out of 10, just shy of the maximum. The scoring breaks down as:

• Attack Vector: Network – Exploitable remotely
• Attack Complexity: Low – Simple exploitation, minimal skill required
• Privileges Required: None – No authentication needed
• User Interaction: None – Fully automated exploitation
• Impact: High – Complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Zero-Day Status: The vulnerability was actively exploited before public disclosure, giving defenders no advance warning. By the time security teams learned of the threat, exploitation was already underway.

End-of-Life Devices: D-Link officially discontinued support for affected models between 2018-2020. This means:

• No security patches will be released—ever
• No firmware updates to address the vulnerability
• No vendor support or guidance beyond “replace the device”
• Users must choose between operating vulnerable devices or replacing them entirely

The HNAP Protocol Exploit

HNAP (Home Network Administration Protocol) was designed to simplify router management and configuration. However, as MITRE’s ATT&CK framework documents, convenience features often become attack vectors when security isn’t properly implemented.

The vulnerability exists in how the router processes SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) requests sent to the HNAP endpoint. Specifically:

The Attack Mechanism:

1. Attacker sends a crafted HTTP POST request to http://[router-ip]/HNAP1/
2. The SOAPAction header contains a malicious GetDeviceSettings command
3. The payload includes specially formatted XML with embedded shell commands
4. The router’s HNAP service processes the request without proper authentication
5. The embedded commands execute with root privileges
6. Attacker gains complete control of the router

Why Legacy Routers Are Goldmines for Attackers

Legacy networking equipment represents a massive and often overlooked attack surface. As we’ve covered in our analysis of vulnerabilities and exploits, end-of-life devices create permanent security gaps that organizations struggle to address.

The Numbers Are Staggering: According to Shodan search engine data, approximately 60,000-80,000 vulnerable D-Link DSL routers are currently accessible from the internet. These devices are distributed globally, with concentrations in:

• United States: ~15,000 devices
• Europe: ~20,000 devices
• Asia-Pacific: ~25,000 devices
• Latin America: ~10,000 devices
• Middle East/Africa: ~10,000 devices

Many users don’t realize their router is end-of-life. They bought it years ago, it still works for basic internet access, and they see no reason to replace it. Meanwhile, vulnerabilities accumulate, exploits proliferate, and attackers systematically compromise these forgotten devices.

Active Exploitation: What Attackers Are Doing Right Now

Phase 1: Mass Scanning and Identification

Within hours of CVE-2026-0625’s public disclosure, automated scanning began. Threat actors use tools like Masscan and ZMap to rapidly scan the entire IPv4 address space, identifying devices with port 80 (HTTP) or port 8080 (alternate HTTP) open.

The Scanning Process:

• Speed: Modern scanning tools can probe the entire internet in under an hour
• Identification: Attackers send HTTP requests to identify D-Link router admin interfaces
• Model Detection: Banner grabbing reveals specific router models
• Vulnerability Testing: Automated exploitation attempts against identified targets
• Success Tracking: Compromised devices are cataloged for later use

SANS Internet Storm Center reported a 400% increase in HNAP-related traffic within 48 hours of disclosure, indicating massive scanning activity targeting this vulnerability.

Phase 2: Exploitation and Initial Access

Once vulnerable routers are identified, exploitation is trivial. Publicly available proof-of-concept (PoC) code circulates on GitHub and underground forums. Even low-skill attackers can:

1. Download Pre-Made Exploits: Ready-to-use Python or Bash scripts
2. Point at Target IPs: No customization needed for different routers
3. Execute Automated Attacks: One command compromises the device
4. Verify Success: Check if shell access was obtained

The entire process—from identification to complete compromise—takes less than 5 seconds per device. Automated tools can compromise thousands of routers per hour.

Phase 3: DNS Hijacking and Traffic Manipulation

After gaining control, attackers immediately modify the router’s DNS settings. This is one of the most insidious aspects of router compromise because it affects every device on the network without those devices knowing they’re compromised.

DNS Hijacking Attack Flow:

Step 1 – Change DNS Servers: The attacker reconfigures the router to use malicious DNS servers they control instead of legitimate ones (like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or ISP-provided servers).

Step 2 – Selective Redirection: When devices on the network try to access websites, the malicious DNS server can:

• Return correct IP addresses for most sites (to avoid detection)
• Redirect banking websites to phishing sites that steal credentials
• Redirect software update requests to malware distribution servers
• Inject advertisements into web browsing sessions
• Redirect cryptocurrency wallet addresses to attacker-controlled wallets

Step 3 – Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: With control over DNS resolution, attackers can:

• Intercept login credentials for any non-HTTPS site
• Downgrade HTTPS connections when possible
• Serve malicious content appearing to come from legitimate sources
• Monitor browsing habits and personal information

This attack is particularly effective because most users have no idea it’s happening. The router still provides internet access. Websites mostly work normally. But behind the scenes, sensitive information flows to attackers.

Similar attack patterns were seen in the top cyber attacks of 2024, where compromised routers served as initial infection vectors for larger campaigns.

Phase 4: Botnet Recruitment

Compromised routers are valuable assets for cybercriminals. Rather than simply hijack traffic from one router, attackers aggregate thousands of compromised devices into botnets for:

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Networks of compromised routers can overwhelm targeted websites or services with traffic, taking them offline. DDoS-for-hire services rent botnet capacity for as little as $10-50 per attack.

Spam Distribution: Routing spam email through residential IP addresses helps bypass spam filters and reputation systems that block known bad actors.

Proxy Services: Cybercriminals rent access to compromised routers as proxy servers, allowing them to:

• Hide their real location when conducting attacks
• Access geo-restricted content
• Bypass IP-based security controls
• Distribute malware from residential IP addresses that look legitimate

Cryptocurrency Mining: While routers lack the processing power for efficient mining, compromised networks can host mining malware on connected computers, with the router serving as command and control infrastructure.

Credential Stuffing Attacks: Using thousands of residential IPs to test stolen username/password combinations against websites, avoiding rate limiting and IP-based blocking.

The Mirai botnet, which famously disrupted major internet services in 2016, consisted primarily of compromised IoT devices including routers. CVE-2026-0625 provides a similar opportunity for modern botnet operators to rapidly expand their networks.

Phase 5: Lateral Movement and Network Penetration

From the compromised router, attackers can pivot to attack other devices on the internal network. The router sits at a privileged position—it sees all network traffic and can intercept communications between devices.

Internal Network Reconnaissance: Attackers scan the internal network to identify:

• Computers, laptops, and mobile devices
• Smart home devices (cameras, thermostats, speakers)
• Network-attached storage (NAS) devices
• Printers and IoT devices
• Industrial control systems (in small business environments)

Exploitation of Internal Devices: Many devices that are secure from external attack become vulnerable when attacked from within the network. Devices often trust traffic coming from the local network, allowing attackers to:

• Exploit vulnerabilities in unpatched systems
• Access shared folders and network drives
• Compromise security cameras to spy on occupants
• Access smart home devices for surveillance
• Deploy ransomware to computers on the network

Credential Harvesting: By monitoring network traffic, attackers can capture:

• Unencrypted passwords and credentials
• Session cookies for authenticated web sessions
• Authentication tokens for cloud services
• Corporate VPN credentials (if employees work from home)

This lateral movement transforms a router vulnerability into a full network compromise. As discussed in our enterprise cybersecurity policy guide, network segmentation and defense-in-depth are critical precisely to limit this kind of lateral movement.

Affected Models and How to Check If You’re Vulnerable

Confirmed Vulnerable Models

Based on security advisories and independent research, the following D-Link DSL router models are confirmed vulnerable to CVE-2026-0625:

Primary Affected Models:

• D-Link DSL-2740R (all firmware versions)
• D-Link DSL-2640B (all firmware versions)
• D-Link DSL-2780B (selected firmware versions)
• D-Link DSL-2730B (selected firmware versions)

Potentially Affected Models (using similar firmware):

• D-Link DSL-G2452GR
• D-Link DSL-2750B
• D-Link DSL-2741B
• D-Link DSL-526B

All these models have reached end-of-life status and will not receive security updates. D-Link has officially stated that affected devices should be retired and replaced with current-generation routers that receive ongoing security support.

How to Check If Your Router Is Vulnerable

Step 1: Physical Inspection Look at the label on the bottom or back of your router. Find the model number (it will start with “DSL-” for DSL routers). Compare it to the list above.

Step 2: Admin Interface Check

1. Open a web browser
2. Navigate to your router’s admin interface (typically http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1)
3. Log in with your admin credentials
4. Look for the model number and firmware version in the System Information or Status section
5. Check if the model matches the vulnerable list

Step 3: Online Vulnerability Scanning Several services can scan your router from the outside to detect vulnerabilities:

• Shodan: Search for your public IP address to see what services are exposed
• SecurityScorecard: Free home network assessment tools
• Router Security Checkers: Various online tools can test for known vulnerabilities

Warning: Be cautious using third-party scanning tools. Only use reputable security services, as malicious tools could exploit the vulnerability they claim to detect.

Step 4: Check End-of-Life Status Visit D-Link’s official security bulletin page to verify if your model is still supported. If your router appears on the end-of-life list and matches the vulnerable models, you should plan for immediate replacement.

What to Do If You’re Vulnerable

If you’ve confirmed your router is vulnerable, you have limited options:

Option 1: Immediate Replacement (Recommended) Purchase a new, currently supported router from a reputable manufacturer. Look for:

• Manufacturers with strong security track records
• Models with active firmware support and regular updates
• WPA3 wireless security support
• Automatic firmware update capabilities
• Strong password requirements and security defaults

Option 2: Temporary Mitigation (Short-term only) If immediate replacement isn’t possible, implement these temporary measures:

• Disable remote management/HNAP access from WAN
• Change the default admin password to a strong, unique password
• Disable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
• Place router behind another device (defense in depth)
• Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity

Critical: These mitigations only reduce risk—they don’t eliminate it. The vulnerability remains exploitable, and determined attackers may bypass these controls.

Option 3: Network Segmentation If you must continue using a vulnerable router temporarily, isolate it:

• Place critical devices on a separate, secure network segment
• Use a firewall to limit what the compromised router can access
• Monitor traffic from the vulnerable network segment
• Treat the entire segment as untrusted/compromised

For guidance on implementing network segmentation, see our zero trust architecture guide.

The Broader Implications: IoT Security Crisis

The End-of-Life Device Problem

CVE-2026-0625 represents a microcosm of a much larger problem: the accumulation of end-of-life devices on networks worldwide. This problem affects:

Consumer Networks: Home users operating outdated routers, cameras, and smart home devices that no longer receive security updates.

Small Businesses: Organizations with limited IT budgets running legacy networking equipment because “it still works.”

Enterprise Edge Networks: Branch offices and remote locations with forgotten equipment that was installed years ago and never upgraded.

Critical Infrastructure: Industrial facilities using decades-old SCADA systems and network equipment that can’t be easily replaced.

According to Gartner research, the average enterprise has 15-20% of its network infrastructure at or beyond end-of-life status. These devices represent permanent vulnerabilities that can’t be patched—only replaced.

The Vendor Support Lifecycle Challenge

The technology industry faces a fundamental tension between:

• Consumer Expectations: Users want devices that last many years
• Business Reality: Vendors can’t support products indefinitely
• Security Requirements: Vulnerabilities continue to be discovered in old code

Most consumer networking equipment receives:

• 2-3 years of active firmware updates
• 3-5 years of security support (if you’re lucky)
• No support thereafter, regardless of how many devices are still in use

This creates a predictable vulnerability cycle:

1. Device released with current security standards
2. Support period: Vulnerabilities patched as discovered
3. End-of-life: Support ends, but thousands/millions of devices still deployed
4. Vulnerability accumulation: New flaws discovered but never patched
5. Mass exploitation: Attackers target unpatched vulnerabilities in deployed base

Why This Matters for Enterprise Security

Even if your organization doesn’t use D-Link DSL routers, CVE-2026-0625 should concern you:

Supply Chain Risk: Your employees work from home, connecting to corporate resources through potentially compromised home routers. If their router is compromised:

• Corporate VPN credentials can be stolen
• Business communications can be intercepted
• Malware can be injected into legitimate software downloads
• Corporate data accessed from home becomes vulnerable

Third-Party Risk: Business partners, vendors, and customers may connect to your systems through compromised networks, creating indirect attack vectors.

Shadow IT: Employees may have brought old routers into branch offices or small facilities without IT approval, creating unknown vulnerabilities in your network perimeter.

IoT Fleet Management: If your organization deploys IoT devices, networking equipment, or embedded systems, you face the same end-of-life challenges. How many deployed devices in your environment have reached end-of-life status?

As detailed in our analysis of enterprise security vulnerabilities, organizations must implement asset lifecycle management processes that ensure devices are replaced before they become security liabilities.

Defense Strategies: Protecting Networks from Router Exploits

Immediate Actions for Affected Users

If you’re operating a vulnerable D-Link router, take these steps immediately:

1. Verify Compromise Status Check for indicators that your router has already been compromised:

• DNS Settings: Log into admin interface and verify DNS servers are your ISP’s or a trusted provider (Google, Cloudflare). If they’ve changed to unknown IPs, you’re likely compromised.
• Unknown Devices: Check the list of connected devices. Unknown MAC addresses or device names indicate unauthorized access.
• Admin Password: If your admin password no longer works, attackers may have changed it.
• Unusual Traffic: Monitor for unexpected spikes in network traffic or connections to suspicious IP addresses.

2. Document Current Configuration Before making changes, document:

• Current network settings (IP ranges, DHCP settings)
• Wi-Fi names and passwords
• Port forwarding rules
• Any custom configurations

3. Factory Reset (If Not Already Compromised) If you believe your router is vulnerable but not yet compromised:

• Perform a factory reset to remove any potential backdoors
• Immediately change the default admin password
• Disable remote management and HNAP
• Update firmware to the latest available (though this won’t fix CVE-2026-0625)

4. Isolate the Device

• Disable Wi-Fi broadcasting (use ethernet only if possible)
• Implement MAC address filtering to allow only known devices
• Disable UPnP to prevent automatic port forwarding
• Enable all available security features

5. Plan for Replacement These mitigation steps are temporary. Start researching replacement routers and budget for purchase within 30 days maximum.

Long-Term Security Hardening

Implement Defense in Depth: Don’t rely solely on your router for security. Layer multiple security controls:

Perimeter Protection:

• Install a dedicated hardware firewall between your ISP connection and internal network
• Use enterprise-grade equipment with active security support
• Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)

Network Segmentation: Separate networks by trust level:

• Trusted Network: Corporate computers and managed devices
• IoT Network: Smart home devices, cameras, thermostats (isolated from trusted network)
• Guest Network: Visitor devices with no access to internal resources
• DMZ: Public-facing services separated from internal networks

Endpoint Protection: Don’t assume the network is secure:

• Install and maintain endpoint detection and response (EDR) software
• Keep all devices fully patched and updated
• Use local firewalls on each device
• Implement DNS filtering at the endpoint level

Access Control: Limit who and what can access network resources:

• Implement strong authentication (passwords + MFA)
• Follow principle of least privilege
• Regular access reviews and revocation
• Network access control (NAC) solutions

Monitoring and Detection: Assume compromise and watch for indicators:

• Log all network traffic and authentication attempts
• Implement SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
• Set alerts for unusual traffic patterns or DNS queries
• Regular vulnerability scanning

For comprehensive security frameworks, refer to our enterprise cybersecurity policy checklist.

Router Selection Criteria for 2026

When replacing vulnerable equipment, choose routers that prioritize security:

Automatic Updates: The router should check for and install firmware updates automatically, without user intervention. Manual update processes often mean updates never happen.

Long Support Commitment: Choose manufacturers that commit to:

• Minimum 5 years of security support
• Clear end-of-life policies
• Advance notice before support termination

Security Features:

• WPA3 wireless encryption
• Built-in firewall with stateful packet inspection
• VPN support (both client and server)
• Guest network capability with isolation
• Automatic threat detection and blocking

Vendor Track Record: Research the manufacturer’s security history:

• How quickly do they respond to vulnerability disclosures?
• Do they have a responsible disclosure program?
• How many unpatched vulnerabilities exist in their current products?
• What’s their history with end-of-life support?

Recommended Manufacturers (based on security track record):

• Enterprise: Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks
• SMB: Ubiquiti, TP-Link (business line), Netgear (business line)
• Consumer: ASUS (with good security track record), Netgear (current models)

Avoid: D-Link (due to consistent security issues and short support windows), older TP-Link consumer models, generic no-name brands.

Enterprise-Scale Mitigation

For organizations managing multiple locations or large deployments:

Asset Inventory and Lifecycle Management:

• Maintain complete inventory of all network devices
• Track firmware versions and end-of-life dates
• Implement automated vulnerability scanning
• Set automatic decommissioning policies (e.g., “all devices are retired 6 months before vendor end-of-life”)

Centralized Management: Deploy solutions that provide:

• Cloud-managed networking equipment
• Centralized firmware updates across all locations
• Real-time monitoring and alerting
• Automated compliance checking

Zero Trust Network Architecture: As covered in our comprehensive zero trust guide, implement:

• Continuous verification of devices and users
• Microsegmentation to limit blast radius
• Least-privilege access controls
• Assume breach mentality with comprehensive monitoring

Work-From-Home Security: For remote employees:

• Provide company-managed routers or VPN appliances
• Require all corporate access through VPN with strong encryption
• Implement endpoint security that doesn’t rely on network security
• Regular security assessments of home network environments

What This Means for Cybersecurity in 2026

The Legacy Device Time Bomb

CVE-2026-0625 is not an isolated incident—it’s symptomatic of an industry-wide problem. Similar vulnerabilities exist in:

Network Attached Storage (NAS): Older models from QNAP, Synology, Western Digital with known unpatched vulnerabilities still widely deployed.

IP Cameras and DVRs: Millions of security cameras run outdated firmware with known remote access vulnerabilities, ironically making homes less secure.

Smart Home Devices: First-generation smart speakers, thermostats, and IoT devices that never received updates and never will.

Industrial Control Systems: SCADA systems, PLCs, and industrial routers running decades-old operating systems that can’t be patched without extensive testing and downtime.

Medical Devices: Hospital equipment that can’t be updated due to regulatory requirements, creating permanent vulnerabilities in healthcare networks.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there will be 41.6 billion IoT devices by 2025 (we’re now in 2026). A significant percentage—estimates range from 15-30%—are already end-of-life or will reach end-of-life within the next 2-3 years.

This creates an ever-expanding attack surface that can’t be patched, only replaced. And replacement is expensive, disruptive, and often delayed, leaving vulnerabilities in place for months or years after they’re discovered.

Regulatory Response and Liability

Governments are beginning to address the IoT security crisis through regulation:

EU Cyber Resilience Act: Requires manufacturers to provide security support for the “expected lifetime” of devices, with specific minimum support periods.

UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act: Mandates security features and requires visible statements of security support duration.

US IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act: Establishes minimum security standards for IoT devices purchased by the federal government, creating de facto industry standards.

State-Level Regulation: California’s IoT security law (SB-327) requires reasonable security features and unique passwords, with other states considering similar legislation.

The legal landscape around cybersecurity is also evolving. Organizations face increasing liability for:

• Data Breaches: Regulatory fines under GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws
• Negligence Claims: Lawsuits from customers whose data was compromised
• Third-Party Liability: Responsibility when compromised systems are used to attack others
• Directors and Officers Liability: Personal liability for executives who ignore known cybersecurity risks

Continuing to operate known-vulnerable equipment creates legal exposure. Courts are increasingly finding that “reasonable security” requires addressing known vulnerabilities, which means replacing unpatchable devices.

The Role of Vendors and Responsible Disclosure

D-Link’s handling of end-of-life devices highlights vendor responsibilities:

The Good: D-Link publicly disclosed which models are vulnerable and recommended replacement.

The Bad: D-Link provided no transitional support, mitigation guidance, or assistance for affected users beyond “buy a new router.”

The Ugly: No advance warning system alerted users their devices were approaching end-of-life, leaving many unaware they were operating vulnerable equipment.

Better vendor practices would include:

• Advance Notice: 12+ months warning before end-of-life
• Extended Security Support: Critical vulnerability patches even after general support ends
• Trade-In Programs: Discounted replacements for users with end-of-life devices
• Mitigation Guidance: Specific steps to reduce risk if replacement isn’t immediately possible

The security community can also improve:

• Responsible Disclosure: Coordinating with vendors before publishing exploits
• User Education: Clear communication about vulnerability impact and urgency
• Proof-of-Concept Ethics: Weighing public disclosure of PoC code against enabling mass exploitation

Conclusion: The Unpatchable Reality of Legacy Infrastructure

CVE-2026-0625 exposes an uncomfortable truth: large portions of our network infrastructure are permanently vulnerable, and the problem is growing worse, not better.

The vulnerability itself is almost mundane—a command injection flaw in an outdated router. What makes it significant is the impossibility of fixing it. No patch will arrive. No update will secure these devices. The only solution is complete replacement, an expensive and disruptive process that many users and organizations will delay as long as possible.

Meanwhile, attackers have added these routers to their target lists. Automated scanning runs continuously. Exploitation is trivial. Compromised routers provide stepping stones to larger networks, infrastructure for botnets, and platforms for DNS hijacking attacks that steal credentials and redirect traffic.

The Three Critical Actions

If you take nothing else from this article, understand these three points:

1. Check Your Equipment Now: Don’t wait. Log into your router today and verify the model number. If it’s on the vulnerable list, you’re operating on borrowed time. As we’ve seen with other major cyber attacks, delays in addressing known vulnerabilities lead to compromise.

2. Plan for Replacement: Budget for a new router within 30 days if you’re vulnerable. The cost of a new router ($50-200) is insignificant compared to the cost of identity theft, financial fraud, or business network compromise.

3. Implement Defense in Depth: Even with a secure router, layer additional security controls. Use endpoint protection, enable MFA everywhere, implement network monitoring, and maintain offline backups. As emphasized in our phishing awareness training, security requires multiple overlapping controls.

Looking Forward

The CVE-2026-0625 incident won’t be the last critical vulnerability in legacy equipment. Similar flaws exist right now in millions of devices worldwide, waiting to be discovered and exploited.

Organizations and individuals must shift from reactive replacement (waiting until devices fail) to proactive lifecycle management (replacing devices before they become security liabilities). This requires:

• Budgeting: Plan for regular infrastructure refresh cycles
• Inventory: Know what equipment you have and when it reaches end-of-life
• Monitoring: Track vulnerability disclosures affecting your equipment
• Policies: Establish clear decommissioning timelines

The era of “set it and forget it” networking equipment is over. In 2026, network security requires active management, continuous monitoring, and proactive replacement of aging infrastructure.

Your router sits at the foundation of your network security. If that foundation is compromised, everything built on top of it—every security control, every encryption protocol, every authentication system—becomes vulnerable.

Don’t become another statistic in the growing list of victims exploited through legacy equipment vulnerabilities. Check your router. Replace vulnerable equipment. Implement defense in depth.

The attackers are already scanning. Make sure they don’t find your network.