Netgear customers urged to carefully turn off Wi-Fi routers after several models found to create security risk

Consumers that use certain Netgear routers for their internet connection have been urged to switch the devices off and use alternate ones after multiple were found to contain a weakness that could let cyber-terrorist get access to them from very far.

Security researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found that at least 8-10 different Netgear routers that are damaged by the flaw, which could allow a hacker without much skill to access the network of devices the router connects.

Here's all you need to know if you have a Netgear router.

Is my router influenced?

The researchers first found that the challenge influences the R7000, R6400 and the R8000 Netgear routers. Netgear confirmed this and said the R6250, R6700, R700LG, R7300 and R7900 are also vulnerable.

Further models could be afflicted but it includes not been verified which these are. Netgear is testing all of its models for the vulnerability.

What should I do?

Clients involving one of the flawed Netgear routers have been advised to use a different one if they can.

"Users who have the option of doing so should firmly consider discontinuing use of damaged devices until a fix is made available, " said the experts.

Exactly what are the risks to my security?

The research workers said that with a "trivial" exploit, attackers could remotely gain access to Netgear customers' computer systems. They could do this with a straightforward trick, such as encouraging someone with a vulnerable router to click on the link and visit a malicious website.

"A remote hacker could easily inject arbitrary commands that happen to be then executed by the program, " said Netgear.

Therefore by tapping a website link could give hackers control over the router, which in turn could but let them see all of the traffic getting through their network. This could include personal and financial information, as well as indication in details.