How do I check if my home router is infected with botnet malware?

Is my internet connection part of a cyber attack without me knowing?

Your home network likely hosts multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Routers, smart cameras, and connected appliances frequently suffer from weak security protocols. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities to install malware, silently conscripting your hardware into botnets. These zombie networks then execute massive attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) campaigns, using your bandwidth.

Most users remain unaware their devices are compromised. The performance impact is often negligible, masking the ongoing malicious activity. You need a reliable method to verify your network integrity.

The GreyNoise Assessment Tool

Security infrastructure provider GreyNoise monitors “Internet background noise.” They track IP addresses that indiscriminately scan the web or attack honeypots. They have released a public tool, the GreyNoise IP Visualizer, to help users identify if their network behaves maliciously.

This tool differs from standard virus scanners. It does not inspect your computer files. Instead, it analyzes the traffic your public IP address broadcasts to the wider internet. If your IP appears in their database, a device behind your router is likely acting autonomously to spread malware or attack others.

How to Verify Your Status

Testing your connection requires no technical expertise or software installation. Follow these steps:

1. Access the Portal: Navigate to the GreyNoise IP Visualizer using any browser on your home network.
2. Automatic Detection: The site instantly detects your public IP address. You do not need to enter this manually.
3. Database Cross-Reference: The system compares your address against their logs of known botnet activity and malicious scanners.

Interpreting the Data

The analysis yields an immediate result.

• The Ideal Outcome: You will see the message, “Your IP Address is clean.” This confirms GreyNoise has not observed your specific IP address scanning the internet or attacking other systems. Your devices are currently behaving normally within their observation window.
• The Warning Signs: If the tool creates a visualization of data or tags your IP as “Noise” or “Malicious,” your network is compromised.

Immediate Remediation Steps

If the tool flags your IP, you must act quickly to sever the connection to the botnet:

1. Reboot and Reset: Power cycle your modem and router. For persistent threats, perform a factory reset on the router.
2. Update Firmware: Log into your router’s administrative panel. Apply the latest firmware patches immediately to close known security gaps.
3. Isolate Devices: Disconnect suspect IoT devices until you can verify their security settings.

Regularly auditing your public IP address ensures you are not an unwitting accomplice in global cyberattacks.