It’s no secret: technology evolves fast. But what many business owners don’t realize is that outdated routers—the kind that have quietly powered your office for years—have now become a major cybersecurity liability.
In May 2025, the FBI issued a formal alert urging businesses and individuals to replace end-of-life (EOL) routers immediately or risk becoming a gateway for cybercriminal activity.
As a cybersecurity company based in Austin, CTTS has seen firsthand how these overlooked devices can lead to significant security risks. If you're running a business in Central Texas, this warning isn’t just about IT—it’s about protecting your operations, your clients, and your reputation.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Outdated Hardware
When routers reach their end-of-life status, manufacturers stop providing updates. No more firmware patches. No more security fixes. These devices become sitting ducks.
The FBI’s alert called out models like the Linksys E1200 and Cisco E1000, which have been actively exploited by malware such as TheMoon. This threat turns your network into a proxy server for criminal activity, masking ransomware attacks, fraud, and data breaches.
And the numbers back it up:
“43% of all breaches in 2024 involved outdated systems.”
— 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report
In one real-world incident, hackers used vulnerable routers to infiltrate SMBs and steal cryptocurrency wallets—causing millions in damages.
Why EOL Routers Are So Dangerous
Old routers often:
- Have known exploits publicly available
- Come with default passwords still in use
- Enable remote management by default
- Don’t support modern encryption standards
If your router was manufactured before 2015, there’s a good chance it’s already EOL—and exposing your business to avoidable risk.
You may not even realize you’ve been compromised. Signs are often subtle:
- Spotty or slow internet performance
- Changes to settings you didn’t make
- Devices overheating
- VPN instability or dropped VoIP calls
Unfortunately, antivirus software doesn’t scan your router, and rebooting won’t fix an infected one.
How CTTS Helps You Stay Protected
At CTTS, we’ve helped business leaders across Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, and beyond replace outdated equipment before it becomes a problem. Here’s how:
1. We Identify High-Risk Hardware
We offer a Cyber Fit Assessment to review your current devices. If your router is out of support, we’ll help you replace it with a secure, business-grade model.
2. We Disable Remote Vulnerabilities
Our team ensures remote administration is locked down. We can install managed firewalls that proactively detect and block threats—before they reach your endpoints.
3. We Monitor for Early Warning Signs
Our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) platform flags anomalies at the network level and helps shut down issues before they spread.
4. We Help You Stay Compliant
If you’re in a regulated industry like healthcare, finance, or education, outdated routers may also place you out of compliance.
5. We Offer Local, Real-Time Support
As a trusted partner in Central Texas for over 20 years, we don’t just hand you a checklist—we walk with you through every step.
Don’t Wait for a Breach to Force Your Hand
You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked overnight—don’t leave your network exposed either.
Schedule a free strategy session with CTTS.
We’ll take the guesswork out of your router and network security.
FAQs About Using Outdated Routers
Q1: How do I know if my router is end-of-life?
Check the model and manufacture date. Anything made before 2015 should be evaluated. CTTS can assess it for you during our Cyber Fit Assessment.
Q2: Can’t I just reboot the router or disable remote access?
These are temporary fixes. If the device is no longer supported, replacing it is the only safe long-term solution.
Q3: Does my antivirus protect my router?
No. Antivirus software only protects endpoints, not networking hardware. That’s why router-level protection is so important.
Let’s replace weak links before they become front-page news. Your business deserves a secure foundation—CTTS can help.
Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!