ASUS routers targeted by botnet malware — here’s how to protect your device

Here’s what you need to know

• Cyclops Blink is a botnet with a version of the Cyclops Blink malware targeting some ASUS routers.
• Trend Micro believes the botnet’s main purpose is to create an infrastructure for further attacks on high-value targets.
• ASUS has released a checklist to help protect your equipment as well as a list of affected routers and the required firmware to avoid this malware.

A botnet called Cyclops Blink is targeting ASUS routers with malware designed to run on the routers’ hardware. As reported by PC Gamer, malware for the botnet Cyclops Blink has been found targeting some ASUS routers. This follows a report from threat researchers at Trend Micro outlining the botnet and how the malware makes its way onto the affected hardware.

Trend Micro calls Cyclops Blink an advanced modular botnet meaning it’s made up of multiple parts working together. What this boils down to is that an infected router likely isn’t targeting you and your data as much as it is intended to be used as part of an infrastructure for higher-priority attacks. In fact, Trend Micro believes this to be a state-sponsored attack.