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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: June 6, 2018
jason.maderer@comm.gatech.edu
Summary Sentence:
Reset your router to avoid effects of Russian malware.
Full Summary:
Georgia Tech Research Scientist explains what can happen to your router if you don't heed the FBI's instructions.
Charles Lever
What's Behind the FBI Warning to Reset Routers?It’s not every day that the Federal Bureau of Investigation gives you an order.
On May 25 the FBI asked members of the public to turn off and turn back on their routers because of the spread of malware called “VPNFilter” created and distributed by the Russian hacker network Sofacy.
Georgia Tech Senior Research Scientist Charles “Chaz” Lever explained the damage this malware can do:
“This malware will affect the average user by using one of the capabilities in the malware to passively collect traffic. This can be used to harvest banking credentials or other sensitive password information that is going over the home network. Additionally, your home network could be hijacked to be part of an attack on a remote entity, masking the identity of the original user and potentially putting you in the crosshairs of law enforcement.”
In addition to just a simple reboot, Lever recommended following the manufacturer’s instructions on resetting the software in the device, also known as “firmware.”
Learn more about cybersecurity research at Georgia Tech by visiting the Institute for Information Security and Privacy.
