pushed router firmware update

[gaaah]

Hi I have a Asus Blue Cave. Last night my router got a firmware update without my OK. How do they do this and how do I keep them from doing it again? Maybe it's just me, but I'm not OK with someone "out there" force feeding me a firmware update whenever they want.

 

[USAFRet]

Hi I have a Asus Blue Cave. Last night my router got a firmware update without my OK. How do they do this and how do I keep them from doing it again? Maybe it's just me, but I'm not OK with someone "out there" force feeding me a firmware update whenever they want.

Do you own this or rent it from your ISP?
Did the update come from Asus or your ISP?

 

[gaaah]

I own this router. I have no way of knowing where it came from. All I know is my firmware version is up-to-date and the Asus site says the firmware was minted just yesterday, so I doubt Dr Evil sent it.

 

[USAFRet]

I own this router. I have no way of knowing where it came from. All I know is my firmware version is up-to-date and the Asus site says the firmware was minted just yesterday, so I doubt Dr Evil sent it.

Then it probably came from Asus.
Maybe they discovered a vulnerability that needed to be fixed.

 

[gaaah]

Well yeah, but aren't you the least be uncomfortable having someone "out there" push a firmware update to you whenever they see fit? Seems to be rather wide security hole. What if Dr Evil wanted control of your home network?

My original question still stands: How do they do this and how do I turn it off?

 

[USAFRet]

How?
The router probably talks back to home base once in a while to check.
Not much different than your OS.

How to turn it off?
Have to look through the user manual to see. I did a cursory look, and all I saw was how to update it manually, or roll back in the event of a failed firmware update.

 

[ehmkec]

On the bottom of the router should be a label with an IP address, a default logon ID and a default password. Use this info with your browser to log into your router. There may be a section in the router settings that can change how updates are handled.

What is your router brand and model?
What ISP do you use?
Does your router use a WAN or DSL connection?

 

[smorizio]

the newer ausu routers and firmware do check there firmware online. you can turn it off if you want.

 

[gaaah]

Yes, it is far more likely the router is phoning home once in a while to check for updates, it's not that they're being "pushed". Sorry for the alarm.

Smorizio, I see no option in the setup pages for turning the firmware check off.

BTW, would be nice if the router checked at 3am rather than prime time.

 

[smorizio]

i have the rt 56 that uses asuswrt-merilin firmware. they have under setting buttons to turn the router call home function.