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I have a friend who has a linksys wireless router and is having problems with getting internet. Is there any way a wireless router can get a virus?

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I wouldn't have thought so. There are more likely reasons why there'll be connection problems. – ChrisF Feb 15 '11 at 0:08
Just wondering, what makes you suspect it is the router? Why not suspect the PC first? – Steve Feb 15 '11 at 0:13
Because there are many different PCs that are being affected. I personally don't think its the router its just that they were assuming it was the router so I wanted to disprove that first – chromedude Feb 15 '11 at 0:14
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up vote 10 down vote accepted

While it's possible that a router can get a virus, it's very unlikely (in the realm of winning the lottery or falling off a donkey).

Your friend's router may need attention from a professional. Have the ISP check it out or see if you can get a replacement.

If you know what problems it's having, maybe we can help here. For that, we need a lot of information about the router and what you've tried.

EDIT: Resetting the router to factory defaults will eliminate any configuration issues or corruption (including alleged viruses), if you need to prove a point.

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ok, thanks that was what I was thinking I am going to look into some more things first but if I can't make any headway I will add more info. – chromedude Feb 15 '11 at 0:13
If you're trying to prove a point to your friend, do a hard reset and start from scratch. The reset will wipe it completely and eliminate any possible corruption of the firmware. – Randolph West Feb 15 '11 at 0:16
@Randolph ah... thanks, forgot about that option, I will definitely do that. – chromedude Feb 15 '11 at 0:19
I agree with Randolph, just remember to backup the firmware before wiping it. Good luck. – Steve Feb 15 '11 at 0:21
I've added my comment to the answer for factory reset. – Randolph West Feb 15 '11 at 0:22
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up vote 3 down vote

While not technically a virus, router poisoning could occur. If a malicious agent gains access to a router, it could change the default DNS to a malicious server that can then redirect your traffic however it sees fit.

But like Randolph has stated, Resetting to factory defaults should eliminate any issues.

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+1 for mentioning DNS poisoning. – Randolph West Feb 15 '11 at 8:57
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