Q: Asus App 2022 Version

[Clark Griswald]

Many post refer/mention to using the Asus app.
It has been years since I briefly used the Asus router app.
I seem to remember the discussion leaned towards not using the app. Although, I'm possibly incorrect
Are people finding the app Safe and/or Useful?

 

[Tech9]

It’s okay, if you don’t open access from WAN and use OpenVPN or InstantGuard. The GUI still has more configuration options, as you expect. The App offers some shortcuts and some people like it. Install it and take a look, it’s safe. It’s usable on a phone. The GUI is desktop view only. Some routers offer mobile GUI view, but not Asus.

 

[bbunge]

Many post refer/mention to using the Asus app.
It has been years since I briefly used the Asus router app.
I seem to remember the discussion leaned towards not using the app. Although, I'm possibly incorrect
Are people finding the app Safe and/or Useful?

Last week I factory reset my AX86U and used the Android Asus app, on my tablet, to set up the router. It did a pretty good job and my conclusion was that for the majority of users the app will set up the router for a safe and stable network. Yes, there are tweaks that many of us here want to make that the app can not do, yet. And, the user is still prompted to allow access from the Internet which is not good. I also use the app to do a quick check on the router and the connected clients. Oh, the Instant Guard app also works well for Android and iOS devices.

 

[L&LD]

An 'app' is only as safe as other non-secure 'apps' on the phone/tablet. Because of this fact, rogue apps can see/steal other apps' information.

I would never use it to set up a network, nor do I recommend its use to anyone else.

In this context, it is less than helpful. Like all other apps too where sensitive information is employed.

 

[follower]

Many post refer/mention to using the Asus app.
It has been years since I briefly used the Asus router app.
I seem to remember the discussion leaned towards not using the app. Although, I'm possibly incorrect
Are people finding the app Safe and/or Useful?

I don't think it's safe.

 

[dosborne]

I've never even loaded it. Never had a reason to. Similarly, I've never used any of the QNAP apps for their NAS products. Maybe I'm old school, I like the web GUI.

 

[Tech9]

I don't think it's safe.

What concerns do you have?

 

[bbunge]

I don't think it's safe.

Looks like it is time for some to make tin foil hats....

 

[d5aqoep]

The app is really good. But it is missing few options of the Web GUI which still reigns supreme.

1 place the app excels compared to Web GUI is it connects to your router via Security Link when you are outside your LAN and no port forwarding or settings are required once you enable remote access. It clearly opens a VPN/Wireguard like tunnel as I am on CG-NAT. This is immensely useful if I want to WOL any of my PCs in my Home or Office network and work remotely (Both have RT-AX88U and both are on CG-NAT). I don't have to keep them running continuously as I can wake them up with just my phone. I could kiss the Asus Engineer who made this possible.

 

[Clark Griswald]

Thank You for the replies.
I tried the app today:
I agree that the app can be useful for initial setup and checking router status, and yes, the more elaborate tweaks are going to be found in the desktop GUI.
Regarding the safety of the app, I think it still remains on the user to keep themselves "safe", in regards to not allowing WAN access, using strong passwords, etc. Updating the Asus app regularly would be a must for bug fixes and enhancements, just like everything else.

I personally do not do anything to my "network", unless I am hardwired to my LAN. I'm not comfortable doing something away, and having to travel at light speed back to my home to "fix" the issue (Happy Wife and I Don't Lose My Life).

Thanks Again for Your Responses-
Have A Great Day!

 

[bbunge]

The app is really good. But it is missing few options of the Web GUI which still reigns supreme.

1 place the app excels compared to Web GUI is it connects to your router via Security Link when you are outside your LAN and no port forwarding or settings are required once you enable remote access. It clearly opens a VPN/Wireguard like tunnel as I am on CG-NAT. This is immensely useful if I want to WOL any of my PCs in my Home or Office network and work remotely (Both have RT-AX88U and both are on CG-NAT). I don't have to keep them running continuously as I can wake them up with just my phone. I could kiss the Asus Engineer who made this possible.

Ah... that security link you mention is the one security threat we have mentioned before. Best to use OpenVPN or Instant Guard.

Edit: The remote access the app enables is the same as enabling remote access in the router GUI Administration/System/Remote Access Config. It allows anyone from the internet to try to log into your router using port 8443 (default) or any other port you choose. Bots find the open port and begin to try user/password combos to break into your router. So, it is best to avoid the possibility of the router and thus your network from being hacked. Turn off remote access in the GUI and use a VPN instead.

 

[Paliv]

An 'app' is only as safe as other non-secure 'apps' on the phone/tablet. Because of this fact, rogue apps can see/steal other apps' information.

I would never use it to set up a network, nor do I recommend its use to anyone else.

In this context, it is less than helpful. Like all other apps too where sensitive information is employed.

This is a very Android centric answer. iOS has pretty great sandboxing of apps. The app works fine and if you don't trust your phone with the app then you probably don't trust your phone with anything but basic calling and texting. Different threat models for different folks.

@Clark Griswald The app is pretty decent and relatively safe, as long at you don't enable remote access. There was a brief time where an update caused the app to turn on remote access, people said it was unprompted but it never happened on network. They updated the app and fixed the problem, I am hyper vigilant to always double check remote access is disabled multiple times a week (I use openvpn if I want remote access). The app isn't super useful, but it has usable information and a handful of options.

 

[OzarkEdge]

if you don't trust your phone with the app then you probably don't trust your phone with anything but basic calling and texting.

I am hyper vigilant to always double check remote access is disabled multiple times a week (I use openvpn if I want remote access). The app isn't super useful,

I agree. I confirm router WAN remote access is disabled at setup and then I forget about it... I don't need or use the app since I have a wired PC for device admin and all sorts of other uses.

OE

 

[L&LD]

The threats are real, iOS or Android. Sad to see so many have no issues trusting their phones.

Having to check multiple times per week (if WAN access is on) is just insane.

Thinking what you do on your device keeps you safe is just sticking your head in the sand of the fact that other apps can and do control other/all aspects of your phone (even the apps you wouldn't suspect).

Everyone is free to do as they want, of course, on their mobile devices. But thinking what they do is keeping them safe, is just a false sense of security.

 

[Paliv]

Having to check multiple times per week (if WAN access is on) is just insane.

Just whenever I log into the router or app I double check, so I'm already in not going out of my way.

Thinking what you do on your device keeps you safe is just sticking your head in the sand of the fact that other apps can and do control other/all aspects of your phone (even the apps you wouldn't suspect).

This applies to your PC as well.

 

[L&LD]

Yes, just by being front and center on your mind, you're going out of your way.

I have much more control of my PC than any mobile device allows me. So, no, it doesn't apply to the same degree at all.

I can't do a clean install of the OS, install only the programs I want, and configure minute details as I see fit on a mobile device the way I can on my PC.

Apples and Saturn (the planet) comparison, you're trying to imply.

 

[bbunge]

Yes, just by being front and center on your mind, you're going out of your way.

I have much more control of my PC than any mobile device allows me. So, no, it doesn't apply to the same degree at all.

I can't do a clean install of the OS, install only the programs I want, and configure minute details as I see fit on a mobile device the way I can on my PC.

Apples and Saturn (the planet) comparison, you're trying to imply.

Want to buy some tin foil?

 

[follower]

What concerns do you have?

You may lose everything If the device is compromised. And I don't like to use Apps for Routers.

 

[Tech9]

Well… you may lose the same “everything”, whatever it is, if the router itself gets compromised. More often it happens on LAN side through connected clients. No much of a difference with or without Asus App involvement. @bbunge business idea may work. Few customers in a single thread, first page.

 

[follower]

Well… you may lose the same “everything”, whatever it is, if the router itself gets compromised. More often it happens on LAN side through connected clients. No much of a difference with or without Asus App involvement. @bbunge business idea may work. Few customers in a single thread, first page.

LAN side? There are Hardware and Software Firewalls. LAN is much better than Router Apps. They are a lot different. Not using Router Apps is much better than using it. Smartphones can be infected so easily. I don't like it. I don't like Netgear Insight too.