Who and how can update cable modem firmware?

[Tebailjaho]

Hello!

This might sound stupid question, but I need to know: can only my ISP update the firmware of my cable modem? Or can I do it? And if yes, should I?
I have vague memory of once updating something using my PC after AVAST gave false alert about network being compromised (it was later solved as their screw-up).

I can not remember what I updated, just tinkering in panic and updating something from PC I have no found again later.

So I need to know - is it possible to update modem firmware myself? And could I ruin something about modem from PC side?

 

[hang-the-9]

I would not touch the modem, but if you own the router then you can update that firmware. If you are having an issue with your connection, contact your ISP first before messing with their equipment past just rebooting the modem.

 

[Tebailjaho]

I would not touch the modem, but if you own the router then you can update that firmware. If you are having an issue with your connection, contact your ISP first before messing with their equipment past just rebooting the modem.

Thank you! So better not touch it... I need to ask this question though: I am not sure if I updated firmware once in past or not, but if I messed something up back then, modem would not simply work right now?
I mean, if I have done any damage to it by installing anything, it wouldn't be hiding some security risk?

Like, is there any method to check if modem is working properly and not being a security risk? Connection and speed seem to be working just fine. I simply don't know enough about modems to be sure if there are no security risks.

 

[hang-the-9]

I would not touch the modem, but if you own the router then you can update that firmware. If you are having an issue with your connection, contact your ISP first before messing with their equipment past just rebooting the modem.

Thank you! So better not touch it... I need to ask this question though: I am not sure if I updated firmware once in past or not, but if I messed something up back then, modem would not simply work right now?
I mean, if I have done any damage to it by installing anything, it wouldn't be hiding some security risk?

Like, is there any method to check if modem is working properly and not being a security risk? Connection and speed seem to be working just fine. I simply don't know enough about modems to be sure if there are no security risks.

You can check with the ISP and have them update the modem, there is almost no way for you to set for vulnerabilities in the modem yourself. You also should be using a router with the modem if you are worried about security.

 

[Tebailjaho]

I would not touch the modem, but if you own the router then you can update that firmware. If you are having an issue with your connection, contact your ISP first before messing with their equipment past just rebooting the modem.

Thank you! So better not touch it... I need to ask this question though: I am not sure if I updated firmware once in past or not, but if I messed something up back then, modem would not simply work right now?
I mean, if I have done any damage to it by installing anything, it wouldn't be hiding some security risk?

Like, is there any method to check if modem is working properly and not being a security risk? Connection and speed seem to be working just fine. I simply don't know enough about modems to be sure if there are no security risks.

You can check with the ISP and have them update the modem, there is almost no way for you to set for vulnerabilities in the modem yourself. You also should be using a router with the modem if you are worried about security.

Thank you for your assistance! 😀 If I can't botch it up myself, I can stop worrying. I just had no idea how these things work. Hopefully ISP does their updates automatically themselves without me reminding them it. 😀