Is it possible to get infected by a virus through a router?

[Nocturnal]

I just installed a Linksys router that is a year old and it hasn't been updated with any firmware/software updates ever since I first purchased it. Any idea if I could be infected with a virus? After installation of the router my internet went down for an indefinite amount of time. Just now I re-plugged my cable model's power back in to test if it would come back up and it did. However my cable modem's activity light is blinking non-stop and it looks as though I'm sending massive amounts of traffic, something like my computer is infected and it is DDOSing something/somewhere.

Can my computer get infected by a virus through a non-updated router?

 

[minendo]

Sure can.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

yes..but more likely just your ISP saying no to the router..

 

[Nocturnal]

Originally posted by: minendo
Sure can.

Is it possible to updated the firmware/software without having the router connected to the network? I mean it doesn't sound logical but I thought I'd ask.

Also, the only reason I have the router is so I can play on my XBox as well as surf the net at the same time.

Also, minendo, how can I tell if a virus has infected me? Should a thorough scan of Norton's do the trick? I just downloaded and installed Zone Alarm, I thought MS's piece of crap SP2 firewall was enough, I was wrong.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: minendo
Sure can.

Is it possible to updated the firmware/software without having the router connected to the network? I mean it doesn't sound logical but I thought I'd ask.

Also, the only reason I have the router is so I can play on my XBox as well as surf the net at the same time.

Also, minendo, how can I tell if a virus has infected me? Should a thorough scan of Norton's do the trick? I just downloaded and installed Zone Alarm, I thought MS's piece of crap SP2 firewall was enough, I was wrong.

To update the firmware you need to download the firmware and be connected to the router, but the router does not need to be connected to the web. Once the computer and router are connected just run the firmware update.

Do you have the newest virus definitions from Norton?