Linksys WRT
Report IMRS-LIN-WRTMethod: public-record scoring
Apr 2026
Is the Linksys WRT safe?
Risky as it is.
It has only 1 of the 8 protections we check, its security updates are limited, and it has 2 serious security findings.
$20 off for router checkers. $179.99 with code CHECKED20, applied at checkout.
What this means for you
The top 3 risks, most serious first.
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Serious
Older hardware gets fewer security fixes
The Linksys WRT series has seen declining patch frequency. Security vulnerabilities may go unaddressed for extended periods without a dedicated security response team.
Do this: Assess firmware update history -
Serious
Manufactured in China and Taiwan
Foreign-manufactured networking hardware carries supply chain risk regardless of US corporate headquarters.
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Moderate
Older hardware gets fewer security fixes
The WRT line is based on aging hardware architecture. Newer vulnerabilities targeting Wi-Fi 5 chipsets may not receive timely patches.
Protections it’s missing
Missing 7 of 8. Has 1 in full.
We check every router for the same 8 protections. Here is how the Linksys WRT does.
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Blocks unknown devices from joining
MissingNew devices stay out until you approve them once, even if they have the Wi-Fi password.
Zero-Trust Device Admission -
Keeps smart gadgets away from your computers
MissingDevices are kept apart, so a hacked smart TV can’t reach your laptop.
Network Segmentation (VLANs) -
Encrypts internet traffic for every device
MissingTraffic leaving your home is encrypted, even from devices that can’t run a VPN app.
Router-Level VPN -
Locks a device to approved sites
MissingA device can reach only the sites you approve. Everything else is blocked.
Domain Allowlisting -
Separate Wi-Fi passwords per group
MissingEach part of your network gets its own password.
Granular Password Control -
Guest access that expires
MissingGuests are removed when they leave and need your approval to reconnect.
Guest Auto-Expiry -
Watches for attacks in real time
MissingSpots suspicious devices, traffic and known attacks as they happen.
Active Threat Monitoring -
Made outside China’s legal reach
Has itNot subject to China’s National Intelligence Law.
Clean Supply Chain
Fix it today
- Assess firmware update historyCheck last patch date on Linksys support site.
- If firmware has not been updated in 12+ months, consider replacing
- Disable remote management and UPnP
- Upgrade to a currently-supported Wi-Fi 6 platform for better long-term security posture
Rio closes the gaps your WRT leaves open.
- You approve every device. Nothing new joins your network until you say yes in the Rio app.
- Smart devices live apart from your computers. Up to 16 separate rooms, each with its own password.
- Rio VPN for the rooms you choose. 3,000+ servers in 110+ countries. First year included.
$20 off for router checkers with code CHECKED20, applied at checkout. Regular price $199.99.
1 year of Rio VPN included, then $7.99/month or $79.99/year · 30-day returns · 1-year warranty
Rio builds this site and is graded by the same method. See the method
Get alerts for your WRT
Get an email if it shows up on the US government's list of actively exploited flaws, or loses updates. Plus the 5-step lockdown checklist now.
How we scored it70% from who makes it, FCC status and updates. 30% from the 8 protections.
1Scores
2Calculation
48 × 0.7 + 0 × 0.3 = 34/100, grade D. 85+ is an A, 65+ a B, 45+ a C, 30+ a D, below 30 an F.
3The facts behind it
- Who makes it
- US-headquarteredLinksys International Inc. - Belkin subsidiary, Foxconn Technology Group (Taiwan)
- Made in
- China / Taiwan
- Security updates
- Limited
- FCC approval
- Authorized - limited update cadence
- FCC restrictions
- Not in scope
- Last verified
- April 2026
4Sources
Every finding traces to public sources: FCC filings, NIST CVE records and US government advisories. Read the full method · Report an error
Other Linksys models
See every Linksys model: Linksys brand overview →