Wireless Router Virus?

[kittymouse2]

Ok, so I am very paranoid about viruses...but only because I am starting a photography blog/website and I am concerned about spreading a virus to others.

I have a laptop that is wiped clean. I am using a brand new memory card in my digital camera and only using it with this computer (to prevent viruses) to take photographs for the website.

My main concern now is that of our home wireless network...the router is hooked up to our main desktop computer...and one other laptop connects to and uses the wireless network (family member).

My question is...when I connect my clean laptop to the internet via wireless, can I get a virus from one of the other computers in my household because of sites that they have visited? I have heard that this is possible, and am interested in finding out how to ensure that this does not happen (as I do not want my files/photos that I intend to share on the website to infect others).

I have not connected to the internet on the laptop since I have restored the computer to original factory state...I intend to immediately install Microsoft Security Essentials...but I must connect wirelessly to do so...Will this also put me at risk?

I know that this is kind of a complicated hypothetical thing, but I was interested in a little help/input if at all possible.

Also, Is there a way to scan the router for infections?

Thanks :-)

[Geek-9pm]

Yes. It can. And you can fix it
Using the reset feature, you can stick a toothpick into the hole and force the router back to factory settings.
But you have to go through the setup again to get the right settings for your local network and internet service. So do this only if you have reason the think the router has been infected.
If you Google Router Virus Removal
You can find many recent posts and articles. Here is just one:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=213939
Here is another:
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7589_102-145685/virus-inside-router/
Does this help any?

[kittymouse2]

The router is hooked up to my desktop computer...Instead of using wireless, what if I used a Cat 5 cable and plugged my laptop directly into the router?  Would a virus still be a risk?

[Geek-9pm]

Yes, a virus of some type for form could enter either via cable or wireless.

The greater danger is the PC itself. There are dozens of places a virus could hide in a PC. In the router, there is less space available for a virus to reside.

Some say the more common problem is router 'poison' rather that a virus. A kind of malware inside the PC alters the settings of the router without actually change the router program code.
Here is a discussion about the most common router infection,

APR (ARP Poison Routing) is a main feature of the program. It enables sniffing on switched networks and the hijacking of IP traffic between hosts. The name "ARP Poison Routing" derives from the two steps needed to perform such unusual network sniffing: an ARP Poison Attack and routing packets to the correct destination.  ...
http://www.oxid.it/ca_um/topics/apr.htm

This is of concern in complex networks.

[Dr Jay]

This is not a Virus and spyware removal topic. If it is, then please start a new topic, and you will receive help from a Malware Removal Specialist.

The advice given in this thread is compromised, and should not be followed.

For those untrained in malware removal and security basics should not be trusted with any advice.

Topic closed!