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VPNs can boost your online privacy by masking your internet and app activity from your ISP. While you can install a VPN app on individual devices, running a virtual private network on your router lets you add whole-home privacy and circumvent device limits. But if you're using select D-Link VPN routers, you may be risking a serious security vulnerability.
As the company announced, six of its VPN routers have a security exploit -- more specifically, a stack buffer vulnerability. Essentially, this means it's possible to remotely execute code on one of the impacted routers, so a bad actor could inject malicious code. The affected units include the:
Because these models are at end of service life, meaning the manufacturer no longer provides service through updates, D-Link won't be patching the vulnerability. Instead, D-Link recommends that users replace their routers. If you currently own any of these routers, you can take advantage of an offer to take 20% off the price of a new DSR-250v2 VPN router.
Alternatively, you may be able to install a VPN on another router -- but you'll want to make sure it doesn't void your warranty. You can also buy some routers with VPNs pre-installed. ExpressVPN's Aircove and Aircove Go routers provide easy ways to set up a whole-home virtual private network by coming installed with ExpressVPN. If you're using another VPN service, like NordVPN, Surfshark or Proton VPN, FlashRouters has a slew of different options. You can also use a Windows PC as a mobile hotspot to turn your desktop or laptop into a makeshift VPN router.