AT&T Smart Home App is blocking a website that my router (?) is attempting to access repeatedly.

Title: Troubleshooting Unusual Website Blocks on AT&T Smart Home App: A Guide for Concerned Homeowners

Introduction:

Recently, some AT&T Smart Home App users have reported receiving multiple notifications about blocked website access attempts. One common scenario involves the app preventing access to specific URLs that seem unrelated to the user’s browsing history. If you’re experiencing similar alerts or are concerned about potential security issues with your home network, this article aims to provide insights and guidance on understanding these notifications and steps to safeguard your connected devices.

Understanding the Notifications:

Several users have observed notifications indicating that the AT&T Smart Home App has blocked access to websites like www.xiidra.com, which appears to be related to prescription eye drops. Interestingly, these notifications have occurred even when no one in the household was actively browsing the internet at the time, and no devices associated with the home network were in use.

Clarifying the Role of the Smart Home App:

The AT&T Smart Home App functions as a network monitoring and security tool, designed to alert users about potentially malicious or suspicious activity on their network. However, the app’s terminology might sometimes cause confusion — for example, referring to your entire network router as a device “blocked” from accessing certain URLs, rather than individual computers or smartphones.

Why Is Your Router Being Flagged?

In some cases, the app’s alerts may be triggered by the router itself attempting to visit certain URLs, perhaps as part of background operations, firmware updates, or connected devices’ activity. It’s also possible that the device’s security settings are flagging legitimate traffic as potentially malicious, especially if the network or firmware has been compromised.

Could Your Router Have Malware?

While modern routers are generally secure, they are not immune to vulnerabilities. If your router has been compromised, it may attempt to access malicious websites without your knowledge. Symptoms can include unexplained traffic, repeated access attempts, or unusual notifications from security apps.

Steps to Address Concerns:

1. Verify the Notifications:
   Check the details within the AT&T Smart Home App to understand precisely what was blocked and why.

2. Inspect Connected Devices:
   Even if your computers and devices are turned off, consider whether any IoT devices, smart home gadgets, or other peripherals are operating and could generate network traffic.

3. Update Router Firmware:
   Ensure your router firmware is current. Manufacturers often release updates that address security vulnerabilities.

4. Perform a Security Scan:
   Use reputable antivirus or anti-mal