The growing threat of legacy device vulnerabilities (and how to combat them)

Today, staying ahead of cyber threats requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. A recent advisory from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) highlighted the increasing danger posed by outdated home routers, specifically exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups like APT40. This situation underscores the critical importance of ensuring network security, particularly for telecom operators and their subscribers, who range from residential consumers to small and medium businesses.

Key takeaways from the ASD advisory

• Legacy device vulnerabilities: The advisory revealed that outdated routers are prime targets for hackers, posing significant risks to network security

• Rapid exploitation: Groups like APT40 are known for their ability to exploit new vulnerabilities within hours of their discovery, making timely updates crucial

• Ongoing threats: These hacking groups continuously target both government and private sector networks, highlighting the need for robust, proactive defence measures

Why end-of-life devices pose such a challenge for operators

Commenting on the ASD article, BlackDice CISO, Paul Jenkins comments: “The ASD, in collaboration with its Five Eyes counterparts, has highlighted how APT40 exploits outdated and unmaintained devices to launch cyberattacks. These end-of-life routers become easy targets, providing an entry point for hackers to infiltrate networks and conduct malicious activities. The use of such compromised devices can lead to severe consequences, including intellectual property theft, strategic intelligence gathering, and targeting political institutions.”

“That’s where BlackDice’s advanced AI-powered cybersecurity software comes in. It offers a powerful solution to this growing threat,” adds Paul Hague, CEO. “Unlike traditional cybersecurity measures that may struggle with legacy and end-of-life hardware, BlackDice’s software is designed to be hardware-agnostic, seamlessly integrating with any device, regardless of its age or specifications. This flexibility ensures that even outdated routers can be fortified against sophisticated cyber threats.”

So what are the key benefits of BlackDice’s solution?

• Comprehensive protection: BlackDice’s AI and machine learning software provides continuous monitoring and proactive threat response, ensuring all connected devices are secure

• Rapid vulnerability mitigation: With the ability to quickly adopt and deploy, BlackDice mitigates new vulnerabilities as soon as they are identified

• Enhanced network intelligence: By leveraging AI, BlackDice delivers deep insights into network performance and potential threats, allowing for timely and informed decision-making—not just for security, but for better QoE, too.

A powerful partnership: BlackDice and Mercku

In addition to securing legacy hardware, BlackDice has partnered with Mercku, a leading router manufacturer, to offer an advanced solution that combines their cutting-edge router hardware with state-of-the-art cybersecurity software.

Benefits of the BlackDice and Mercku collaboration:

Upgrading legacy hardware

Operators can choose to upgrade to Mercku’s modern routers embedded with BlackDice software, providing a seamless transition from outdated devices to state-of-the-art technology

Enhanced quality of experience (QoE)

This integration not only boosts security but also enhances overall network performance, leading to better user experiences

Future-proof solutions

The combination of Mercku’s hardware and BlackDice’s software ensures that networks are prepared to handle emerging threats and evolving cybersecurity challenges

Proactive measures for enhanced security

“To protect networks and subscribers from these evolving threats, telecom operators should consider proactive measures, such as regular network assessments. By conducting thorough reviews and updates of network hardware, you can make sure devices are not outdated or vulnerable—keeping your subscribers safe, and confident that they’re protected.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Paul Hague adds, “This collaboration delivers a powerful combination of Mercku’s wifi mesh router technology embedded with BlackDice’s AI-driven cybersecurity capabilities.”

“By integrating advanced security measures with modern router technology, we can create a secure environment for all users on a network. AI-driven cybersecurity, embedded directly on the router, offers continuous monitoring and proactive threat response, ensuring the best defence against potential breaches.”

Final thoughts

The ASD advisory is a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date and secure network hardware. Telecom operators must take proactive steps to protect their networks and subscribers from evolving cyber threats. By staying informed, regularly assessing network hardware, and considering hardware upgrades, operators can significantly enhance their network security and provide a higher quality of experience for their users.

By including BlackDice’s advanced cybersecurity solutions, telecom operators can safeguard their networks, reduce vulnerabilities, and provide their subscribers with a secure and reliable online experience. As cyber threats continue to evolve, proactive measures like these are essential for maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture and ensuring long-term resilience.

For more details on the ASD advisory, you can read the full article here.