We’ve received a warning that some RCN Routers may be susceptible to a “malware infection”, making it’s way around the internet.

You can read more about this at the following links:

Arstechnica.com-FBI Tells Router Users To Reboot NOW!

NY Times.com – FBI Warning To Reboot Routers Due To Russian Malware

To reboot a router is relatively simple. Just unplug it, wait for 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. Since the warnings in the media do not appear to be “fake news”, I have high confidence we should follow the instructions.

When we learned of this today, we contacted RCN and they indicated they were assessing the situation. As of yet they’ve provided no follow up. If you have not done so already, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that everyone reboot your router ASAP!

Better to be safe than sorry.

If you have any questions, please contact the office.

A Unit Owner who has been following this matter closely had the following to share with us:

“A summary: The FBI has identified a hack (called “VPN Filter”) originating in Russia (a group of hackers called “Fancy Bear”) and targeting older routers (like those primarily currently used in Ukraine). The hack employs 3 phases of infection; the second and third phases (the dangerous parts) require connection to the malicious domain. The FBI seized control of the malicious domain yesterday, so when we reboot our routers, even though they may still be infected with Phase 1, they cannot connect to the host domain and therefore cannot become (re)activated into phases 2 & 3. This hack affects routers only; computing devices do not seem to be directly infected.

My evaluation is that rebooting our routers should prevent any further problems.

It occurs to me that some residents may not know the difference between their modem, their router, and the TiVo. I suggest that we either publish pictures of the types of routers that RCN provides, or suggest that residents reboot all 3 devices (generally a good idea to do every once in a while anyway).

Also, if any residents have multiple routers (generally used to extend Wi-Fi signal distance), then they should reboot all their routers.”

Great information and suggestions. Special thanks to Patrick Wooldridge, who is also a member of the Cable and Internet Task Force, for sharing this with us.

The cover photo depicts a typical RCN modem, but you can follow the link here to see pictures of typical RCN equipment for their Chicago market. We are awaiting follow up from RCN to confirm with sample images of typical devices for Park Tower customers.

It is fair to add though, that many owners and residents have routers and other internet ready devices other than those issued by RCN. We recommend you reboot those as well.

Again, better to be safe than sorry.