RouterCheck Detects the Latest Malware Attacking Home Networks

Toronto, Canada, October 6, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Sericon Technology's popular RouterCheck application now enables home users to determine whether their home network has been compromised by the newly discovered Wifatch virus. Wifatch was disclosed several days ago by the cybersecurity company Symantec and it is believed to be infecting over 10,000 consumer routers worldwide. Home owners who are concerned about this virus can now use RouterCheck to determine whether they are at risk, and if so, how to resolve the problem.

Wifatch is an unusual virus, because it modifies the router it attacks to improve its security. However, computer security experts warn that Wifatch may also have a darker side: it could be used to launch malicious attacks in the future. Because it infects a home router and not a desktop or laptop computer, traditional Anti-Virus software cannot detect its presence.

"Wifatch currently attacks poorly secured home networks and modifies them to remove some of the vulnerabilities" said Sander Smith, President of Sericon Technology, the developer of RouterCheck. "We agree with the Wifatch author's goal of making home networks more secure, but we are very disturbed by the ethical issues of modifying someone's equipment without knowledge or consent. We also don't know what Wifatch is capable of doing in the future once it's installed on a home network. That's why it's critical for home owners to know whether they're at risk for this problem. RouterCheck is an easy way to find out."

Sander Smith, President of Sericon Technology

RouterCheck detects the Wifatch virus when a user checks the home network. If RouterCheck finds this virus, it alerts the user and provides instructions for removing it. RouterCheck also checks for other home networking malware such as the "Misfortune Cookie" virus, and common problems such as poor password selection and improper configuration.

RouterCheck is a free application that may be downloaded from the Google Play store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Sericon.RouterCheck.client.android