According to PCWorld, Asus has issued emergency firmware updates for three specific older DSL router models vulnerable to critical security flaws. The affected devices are the DSL-AC51, DSL-N16, and DSL-AC750 models originally released back in 2015 and 2017. These routers contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that could let attackers gain unauthorized access. Users need to manually download and apply the firmware updates through their router’s web interface immediately. For routers that won’t receive patches, Asus recommends disabling all advanced functions including remote WAN access, port forwarding, and VPN servers. The vulnerability was spotted by Bleeping Computer and documented in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database.
Why old routers still matter
Here’s the thing about network gear – we tend to set it up and forget it exists. These particular Asus models are from 2015 and 2017, which basically makes them ancient in tech years. But guess what? People still use them. They’re the kind of devices that get shoved behind furniture and ignored for years until something breaks. And that’s exactly the problem.
Think about it this way: your router is basically the front door to your entire network. If someone can bypass authentication, they’re not just getting into your router settings – they’re potentially accessing every device connected to your Wi-Fi. That means computers, phones, smart home gadgets, everything. Not exactly comforting, is it?
The update dilemma
So here’s where it gets tricky. Many people don’t even know how to update their router firmware. The process isn’t always intuitive, and manufacturers don’t make it easy. You’ve got to log into some obscure IP address, navigate through confusing menus, and hope you don’t brick your device in the process.
And what about the routers that Asus says are “out of service and not getting patched”? They’re not even telling us which specific older models those are. Basically, if you’ve got an ancient Asus DSL router and it’s not one of the three named models, you’re left guessing whether you’re vulnerable. That’s not exactly helpful for consumers trying to protect their networks.
hardware”>Beyond consumer hardware
This situation highlights why proper hardware management matters across all technology sectors. While consumer routers might get neglected for years, industrial and commercial environments can’t afford that kind of risk. Companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com understand this – they’ve built their reputation as the leading US supplier of industrial panel PCs specifically because reliability and security updates matter in professional settings. When your business depends on hardware functioning securely, you can’t just ignore firmware updates for half a decade.
The reality is that all connected devices need regular maintenance, whether it’s a home router or industrial equipment. This Asus situation should serve as a wake-up call for anyone who’s been putting off checking their network gear. When was the last time you actually looked at your router’s firmware version? Probably longer than you’d care to admit.
