The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes: criminals can use a compromised router to send their internet traffic through your home connection, making it appear to come from your household’s IP address. The FBI warned in 2025 that cybercriminal proxy services were exploiting end-of-life routers with variants of TheMoon malware. That does not mean every old router is infected—or that owners knowingly rented out their connection. Here’s how the risk works and what to check.
What it means for criminals to use your router as a proxy
A residential proxy routes another person’s internet requests through a consumer device and connection. To websites and online services, the traffic can appear to originate from the household’s IP address, obscuring the outside user’s location and identity. The router owner may not know the connection is being used this way.
The FBI says proxy access can be obtained with or without a device owner’s awareness. Routes include compromised internet-connected devices, apps that include proxy-enabling software development kits, some free VPN apps with hidden terms, bandwidth-sharing apps, and malware-bearing downloads. The FBI also cautions against suspicious free-content streaming devices.
Criminals may use residential proxies for phishing, identity theft, spam, fake accounts, data theft, brute-force attacks, hiding their location, and account takeovers. These are possible uses of proxy access, not proof that a particular compromised router was used for each activity. The FBI outlined these risks in its March 12, 2026 residential-proxy alert.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Two FBI-related router threats that should not be confused
The 2025 proxy warning and a separate 2026 DNS-hijacking operation involved different campaigns. The mechanisms and remedies are not interchangeable.
| Campaign | What happened | What the evidence says |
|---|---|---|
| Cybercriminal proxy services, 2025 | End-of-life routers were breached using variants of TheMoon malware and used in proxy services. | The FBI’s alert is titled “Cybercriminal Proxy Services Exploiting End-of-Life Routers.” Its page was not available for detailed review; the FBI search listing identifies TheMoon variants but does not establish a total number of affected household routers. FBI alert. |
| Operation Masquerade, announced April 7, 2026 | GRU actors exploited known vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers, changed DNS settings, and directed network devices to actor-controlled resolvers. Fraudulent DNS answers for selected services could enable interception if users continued past certificate warnings. | The DOJ said the operation involved thousands of TP-Link routers worldwide and that the actors harvested passwords, authentication tokens, emails, and other sensitive information. The FBI/IC3 advisory names CVE-2023-50224. This was a separate DNS-hijacking operation, not the TheMoon proxy campaign. DOJ announcement; FBI/IC3 advisory. |
In the DOJ announcement, FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks said the affected routers were in “more than 23 states.” That figure describes geographic reach, not the number of routers or households.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
How to tell whether your router needs attention
There is no single visible sign that proves a router has become a proxy. Start with its support status and configuration instead of relying on a reboot or an unexplained change in internet speed.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Find the exact model and hardware revision. Check the label on the router or its administration page. Hardware revisions can have different support and firmware eligibility.
- Check the manufacturer’s support page. Confirm whether that precise model and revision still receive security updates, and identify the latest available firmware.
- Review DNS settings. On a supported router, confirm that configured DNS resolvers are ones you or your internet provider expect. Unexpected resolver settings merit investigation; in the separate Operation Masquerade case, altered DNS settings were central to the attack.
- Check remote management. Disable administration access exposed to the internet if you do not need it. If remote access is necessary, keep it securely configured and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Look for signs of account or device compromise. If you see suspicious activity or believe personal information may have been exposed, contact affected account providers, change relevant passwords, and report suspected criminal victimization to IC3. Include router details and incident information when available.
D-Link’s March 24, 2026 notice identifies four models among devices referenced in connection with the AVrecon/SocksEscort campaign: DIR-818L and DIR-818LW reached end of service on May 1, 2017; DIR-850L on March 1, 2020; and DIR-860L on May 1, 2018. These are examples from one manufacturer’s notice, not a complete list of vulnerable routers. Check D-Link’s model-specific notice and your own manufacturer’s support information.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
What to do if your router is supported
- Install the latest firmware available for the exact model and hardware revision, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replace default administrator credentials with a strong, unique password.
- Confirm DNS servers are expected and disable unnecessary internet-facing remote management.
- Monitor connected devices and unusual network activity. If the manufacturer documents a relevant security issue, follow its remediation guidance.
When to replace an old router
If the manufacturer no longer supports the router or provides security updates for it, replacement is the safer choice. Both the FBI’s 2025 alert and DOJ’s 2026 guidance advise replacing end-of-life or end-of-support devices where possible. Choose a replacement based on current security-support status, firmware-update history, eligibility for your needs and hardware revision, and whether its settings let you review DNS and disable remote management. No particular replacement model is established as FBI-approved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does rebooting or factory-resetting remove router malware?
Do not treat either as a universal fix. The FBI warns that some devices infected at the factory may remain infected after a factory reset, and D-Link says rebooting alone may not remediate certain infections. In the separate Operation Masquerade case, DOJ said court-authorized changes to affected routers could be reversed through a hardware reset or management-page settings; that case-specific fact does not show that resetting will remove other infections. If compromise is suspected, use the manufacturer’s instructions or seek help from the manufacturer or a qualified network professional, and replace unsupported equipment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Reduce the chance of unwanted proxy enrollment
- Avoid suspicious streaming devices that promise free content, unofficial app stores, and sideloaded applications.
- Be cautious with free VPN apps: review their terms and how they handle your connection before installing them.
- Avoid pirated downloads and scrutinize apps or services that offer payment or rewards for sharing your bandwidth.
- Keep router firmware current while the device remains supported, and replace it when support ends.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
