Thousands of users worldwide are battling internet outages after DrayTek routers started rebooting unexpectedly. Early signs point to a serious vulnerability behind this growing issue.
Reboots Reported Across Multiple Countries
The wave of router reboots has hit users in the UK, Australia, Germany, Vietnam, and other regions. Many customers relying on DrayTek devices have reported constant restarts, leading to unstable connections.
In the UK, broadband providers are seeing a surge in complaints. ISPreview confirms that customers are struggling to stay online as affected routers keep rebooting.
DrayTek Urges Immediate Firmware Updates
Responding to the widespread problem, DrayTek released an advisory urging users to act fast. The company recommends disconnecting routers from the internet and installing the latest firmware update. According to the advisory, updating the firmware could patch vulnerabilities that might be driving the reboots.
While DrayTek stopped short of confirming a cyberattack, several UK internet providers suspect a security flaw is responsible. The advisory hints that outdated firmware leaves devices open to exploitation.
DrayTek Routers Have a History of Security Flaws
Sadly, this isn’t the first time DrayTek routers have been linked to vulnerabilities. The company often discloses flaws that allow attackers to launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or execute malicious code remotely.
If these attacks fail, they can still cause routers to crash or reboot. That’s why keeping firmware updated is critical for any user relying on DrayTek equipment.
Cybercriminals Are Actively Targeting DrayTek Devices
DrayTek routers have become a favorite target for hackers. Recently, cybersecurity firm Forescout revealed that ransomware groups breached hundreds of organizations by exploiting hidden flaws in these devices.
Alarmingly, some of these were zero-day vulnerabilities — previously unknown security holes actively used in attacks. This shows how dangerous these router flaws can be if left unpatched.
New Exploitation Attempts Detected by Security Experts
Adding to the growing concern, threat intelligence firm GreyNoise released fresh data confirming active exploitation attempts. According to their findings, three known vulnerabilities — CVE-2020-8515, CVE-2021-20123, and CVE-2021-20124 — have been under attack in recent days.
However, it remains unclear if these specific vulnerabilities are the reason behind the global router reboots. Even so, users are urged to take immediate action to protect their devices.
How to Stay Safe — Act Now
If you own a DrayTek router, now is the time to secure it. Disconnect your router from the internet, check for the latest firmware updates, and install them right away. This simple step could prevent further outages and protect you from potential cyberattacks.
