Over 9,000 Asus Routers Hijacked by Botnet and Inescapable SSH Backdoor Resistant to Firmware Updates

Title: Major Security Breach: Over 9,000 ASUS Routers Compromised by Persistent Botnet Attack

In a troubling development for network security, more than 9,000 ASUS routers have fallen victim to a sophisticated botnet attack identified as “AyySSHush.” This incident, brought to light in March 2025 by cybersecurity experts at GreyNoise, reveals alarming vulnerabilities within the routers’ authentication systems.

The attackers have cleverly leveraged the routers’ legitimate functionalities to implant a persistent Secure Shell (SSH) backdoor. Uniquely concerning is that this backdoor resides within the router’s non-volatile memory (NVRAM). This means that even attempts to secure the devices through firmware updates or system reboots will not eliminate the threat, as the malicious software remains intact.

The implications of such a breach are significant, given that these compromised devices could be utilized for various nefarious purposes, including further cyberattacks or unauthorized data access. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for affected users to take immediate action to secure their devices and consider alternative solutions to mitigate the risks posed by this incident.

Stay informed and vigilant, as cybersecurity remains an ever-evolving battlefield where both users and manufacturers must constantly adapt to emerging threats.

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