No, that is not what I am 'afraid' of. At least, not only that.
Auto Updates: dumb
mechanical method to upgrade to the latest firmware. Never a good idea, IMO.
Current update method:
- Read about new firmware released (RMerlin's, in my case).
- Read all forums (in full), about how many have updated, what issues were discovered, and what steps are required to make it 'right'.
- Download the firmware and install it on my test router(s) if the above research warrants it.
- Do my tests on those routers and decide, based on observing the network performance, stability, responsiveness, and any other data points I track, if this warrants running the firmware onto my main router.
- Flashing the firmware onto a main router on my own network will still be put off until I have enough time to jump as needed, if needed, to get my network up and running again if a catastrophic event due to the firmware, were to happen. This includes having a spare router (or two) to quickly get online again.
When an Auto update includes the above, I may begin to consider using it. Depending on other's reported experience with it too (for an extended time period), of course. That may happen when AI is embedded into our router/networking hardware.
While I offer encouragement and celebrate each 'win' here along with everyone else, I fundamentally do not believe in 'auto' anything. Those options are for the masses who can't be bothered to learn, or who can't even understand why they should (learn), to do it themselves. Not that it makes it 'okay' in that case, but it does help, at large.
A one-time broken firmware may seem like a small thing to be 'afraid' of. I'm not worried about that.
What I'm worried about is a system/process where millions and millions of routers are auto-updated by default. And then learning someone hacked the server(s) that were delivering infected firmware that bricked those routers, or worse.
I will repeat myself, I don't ever see myself or my customers using this 'feature', ever. No matter if RMerlin, Asus, or anyone else is 'backing' it. Just seems like an illogical way to give up control of your network to me.