Can a cable modem itself have a virus

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by cujo_77, Mar 17, 2013.

  1. cujo_77

    cujo_77 Private E-2

    I wanted to know if a virus can actually reside in a cable modem and infect a PC. I work in a law office and we keep a few computers off the network for security issues. The situation is I just reformatted a PC, re-installed the OS (Windows XP) and I am about to hook it to the internet to download all the needed updates. Like most small offices we have a cable modem connected to a wifi router that most people in the office use for tablets, cell phones, etc. All these things are personal items and have the ability of contracting virus because of all the internet browsing they do at home, coffee shops, etc. What I figured I would do is disconnect the modem from the router and then hook it directly to the PC then download the updates. I planned on rebooting the modem so nothing is stuck in its memory, but I just wanted to know if I went ahead with the plan above is there any risks of a virus being passed onto the PC that I am updating?

    P.S. I have the standard Motorola "Surfboard" cable modem SB5101U
     
    cujo_77, Mar 17, 2013
    #1
  2. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Welcome to Major Geesk!

    In short, yes cable modems can get infected, but this happens much less frequently than router infections. ISPs are more structured in making sure there equipment is properly password protected where as home users and small office users may not be so cautious about making sure their routers and PC and other networking items have proper security measures in place. I have seen so many cases where people have run WiFi networks with no encryption and no passwords on the network equipment. And in some cases they had passwords but they were far from being a strong password or were default passwords from the equipment vendor and everyone in the world know the defaults.

    Did you delete partitions and recreate them before formatting? This is a much safer approach. There are several dozen infections that get into Master Boot Records and/or Partitions and a format will not remove them.

    A word of caution before connecting to the internet, all security software should be installed and operational.
     
    chaslang, Mar 17, 2013
    #2

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