Malware damaging ASUS routers?

[bbunge]

Actually I got the AX86U for a backup to my AC86U at a time when a lot of those from the year I bought my AC86U were dying. But mine continued to work flawlessly (hope I didn't just jinx it) so I never switched to the AX86U.

Doing that was something I had planned for this coming holiday season and now this new issue with the AX86U appeared. So I'm wondering if I should keep the AX86U and switch to it after ASUS releases a new firmware for it (if they do) or if I should just move on to a newer router since it appears the AX86U may be reaching EOL.

Waiting for the Asus patch is a good idea. However, you can use it as an AiMesh node with no fear of it being compromised. As a node you can also upgrade to the current firmware then upgrade when the new patched Asus is released. Others are recommending you use the Merlin firmware but it is not necessary. Your call. However, in the box it is safe until needed.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Actually I got the AX86U for a backup to my AC86U at a time when a lot of those from the year I bought my AC86U were dying. But mine continued to work flawlessly (hope I didn't just jinx it) so I never switched to the AX86U.

Doing that was something I had planned for this coming holiday season and now this new issue with the AX86U appeared. So I'm wondering if I should keep the AX86U and switch to it after ASUS releases a new firmware for it (if they do) or if I should just move on to a newer router since it appears the AX86U may be reaching EOL.

There's nothing wrong with the AX86U or the firmware provided that you don't enable access to it from the internet (other than via VPN), e.g. AiCloud, Web Access from WAN, etc. That's no different than your current AC86U or any of the other Asus routers.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Waiting for the Asus patch is a good idea.

Straight-up misleading. Every previous firmware is now obsolete and a security risk.