Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT
Does anyone know if Airport Express routers are exposed to the VPNFilter malware currently being publicized through FBI Alert I-052518-PSA and the C-Net link below that recommend re-booting all routers?
The FBI wants you to reboot your router NOW to help destroy a botnet - CNET
Airport Extreme 802.11 Base Station-OTHER, Firmware v.m. 7.6.3 as of 3/7/2013)
I've had several clients with the same question so I researched it today.
The short answer is that you are likely safe.
I found no reported instances of Apple devices being impacted by the VPNFilter malware.
Because the architecture of Apple's hardware and software is radically different from Netgear and Linksys devices, I would not expect Apple Airports to have the same vulnerabilities.
As of April 2018, Apple no longer produces Airport devices, but they've committed to maintaining patches and security updates for another 5 years.
I've had several clients with the same question so I researched it today.
The short answer is that you are likely safe.
I found no reported instances of Apple devices being impacted by the VPNFilter malware.
Because the architecture of Apple's hardware and software is radically different from Netgear and Linksys devices, I would not expect Apple Airports to have the same vulnerabilities.
As of April 2018, Apple no longer produces Airport devices, but they've committed to maintaining patches and security updates for another 5 years.
According to Ars Technica these are the routers that are affected:
I would also like to get an answer to this question. I've rebooted my hardware but an am seeing suggestions for other router models to do a factory reset to eliminate the malware involved.
Please advise.
am seeing suggestions for other router models to do a factory reset to eliminate the malware involved.
No word from Apple with any details on this issue, or any information about a possible firmware update to address the problem.
Thanks to everyone who responded, I appreciate it! I will go with the research provided by callipygian and kumakun and just leave it alone for now. Maybe dig up another Airport router to avoid it for five more years. 😉
Though THIS virus does not seem to affect the Apple products, it should be a reminder to keep firmware and software up to date. When opening the Airport Utility, open Preferences. (Command ,) Select "check for updates automatically" then choose daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your risk level.
Does anyone know if Airport Express routers are exposed to the VPNFilter malware
Yes, if you have the AirPort Express configured to act as the main router on your network.
Airport Express exposure to VPNFilter malware
