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.

 

[Jbennett360]

Looks like another week with nothing for the AX86U/S

 

[bennor]

Looks like another week with nothing for the AX86U/S

Yes, really is quite baffling as to why Asus hasn't pushed out an update for it yet. Many if not most other Asus routers, including many EoL models, have gotten firmware updates over the past week or two. Wonder if there is something specific to that router that is causing the delay. For now one could just load the Asus-Merlin 3004.388.8_4 firmware while they wait for Asus to push updated stock firmware with the fixes other Asus router models have received.

 

[Jbennett360]

Yes, really is quite baffling as to why Asus hasn't pushed out an update for it yet. Many if not most other Asus routers, including many EoL models, have gotten firmware updates over the past week or two. Wonder if there is something specific to that router that is causing the delay. For now one could just load the Asus-Merlin 3004.388.8_4 firmware while they wait for Asus to push updated stock firmware with the fixes other Asus router models have received.

Considering it's probably the most popular too. Just seems odd.

If a decent deal pops up over the 'Black Friday Sales' for the AX86U Pro / AX88U Pro I'll probably be tempted to grab one.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

For now one could just load the Asus-Merlin 3004.388.8_4 firmware while they wait for Asus to push updated stock firmware

That would be too simple.

 

[iFrogMac]

I was wondering if Asus has any regular release schedule for firmware. For example Apple and Microsoft usually release software updates typically on Tuesday, or sometime at the beginning of the week. Just wondered if Asus has a set pattern, or is theirs just random ?

 

[OzarkEdge]

I was wondering if Asus has any regular release schedule for firmware. For example Apple and Microsoft usually release software updates typically on Tuesday, or sometime at the beginning of the week. Just wondered if Asus has a set pattern, or is theirs just random ?

Isn't this 'schedule' evident in the dates of their firmware releases?

OE

 

[iFrogMac]

Isn't this 'schedule' evident in the dates of their firmware releases?

OE

Well to be honest, i haven't really paid that close attention. When ever I see an update available, I update. In terms of watching for a pattern or set schedule, I really haven't.

 

[ohbreeeezy]

Is my AX86U cooked? I discovered that I can't get it fixed because I don't have my backup settings. I decided to perform a firmware restoration and use it as a media bridge.

However, I keep getting the message 'Failed to connect to any networks".

 

[bennor]

Is my AX86U cooked?

Contact Asus support if you haven't done so already. They may be able to provide support or have suggestions on how to possibly recover the bricked router.

 

[Piotrek]

If a decent deal pops up over the 'Black Friday Sales' for the AX86U Pro / AX88U Pro I'll probably be tempted to grab one.

Do you know why the update hasn't been released yet?

 

[iFrogMac]

Do you know why the update hasn't been released yet?

I don't think anyone really knows at this point. I can say this though, retiring the X86U will be a hard router for me to retire completely. Because I got the special edition, so it's a nice visual piece. None of the current models have a Gundam or any other unique edition. Asus routers generally look nice, but the Gundam ones are unique.

 

[bennor]

Do you know why the update hasn't been released yet?

Only people who know for certain likely work for Asus. And they typically don't openly post to this site.

 

[Piotrek]

I don't think anyone really knows at this point

Only people who know

or

If a decent deal pops up over the 'Black Friday Sales' for the AX86U Pro / AX88U Pro I'll probably be tempted to grab one.

that's a great reason

PS: Sorry, my English is bad and I think I didn't convey what I wanted

 

[Jbennett360]

or

that's a great reason

PS: Sorry, my English is bad and I think I didn't convey what I wanted

I mean mines the AX86S and I've had it since April 2022, cost me roughly £120 on sale.

Updates have slowed down, were now onto WRT5 too.

If a decent deal appeared then I'd make the move

 

[Piotrek]

WRT5

If you need AsusWRT 5 then ok.
However, if the lack of updates is the reason you want a change then you should look for a router from other manufacturer.
Vote with your wallet, otherwise you are showing that the lack of updates is a good marketing strategy.

 

[Jbennett360]

If you need AsusWRT 5 then ok.
However, if the lack of updates is the reason you want a change then you should look for a router from other manufacturer.
Vote with your wallet, otherwise you are showing that the lack of updates is a good marketing strategy.

Other manufacturers are just as bad, if not worse. At least with Asus we have Merlin.

Plus UK law has changed recently and manufacturers must provide updates for X number of years

 

[Tech9]

Plus UK law has changed recently and manufacturers must provide updates for X number of years

Support fox X years minimum, but you may get 1-2 or even 0 updates during this period and the manufacturer will be still in compliance. Asus has less popular 2020 model routers with last firmware update in 2021 and still officially supported. Some ZenWiFi models had 2 years gap in firmware releases, RT-AX68U had >1 year gap, as I remember GT-AX6000 also had a very large gap. Support is there, updates... maybe.