Can a cable modem itself have a virus

[cujo_77]

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

 

[imagoon]

In theory yes, something could infect the modem in a way that it could spread infections. In reality it isn't likely. Being on XP is far more likely to get you a virus than an infected modem.

 

[JackMDS]

Main stream Viruses that geared toward computers would Not affect Modems.

However, in theory it is possible to compromise a Modem with specific "Junk" that geared toward the specific Brand and Model and it is accessed from the provider side.

I do not recall ever hearing about actual event of infected Modem.



😎

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Anything with programmable software can be infected given the right circumstances, but ive never ran into a single network device other than a pc having a virus

 

[Danimal1209]

The answer is yes, it can technically be infected.

The reality is that it is not something you need to worry about.

 

[mikeymikec]

I remember seeing a few infections a few years ago whereby a computer was infected, and because the router had the default admin password, DNS entries on the router had been altered, presumably to point at DNS servers under the attacker's control.

So the router wasn't infected per se, but in terms of security what happened was a security compromise.

 

[VirtualLarry]

if the OS you are re-installing pre-dates SP2, then you should leave the router in-place as a network shield. Otherwise it is likely it will get re-infected.