The FCC says you can hack Wi-Fi routers

A few months back, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed to ban the use of open source firmware on Wi-Fi routers. Officials were not happy about the ability to boost the signal power on routers by using an open source firmware version such as DD-WRT or Tomato to make devices more secure. Many complaints and petitions later, and the FCC relented, adding that yes, you can hack your Wi-Fi router.

While the FCC modified its proposal to allow open source firmware like DD-WRT or Tato, it still forbids any modifications that take the router “out of compliance,” such as using an overbearingly strong signal. It’s made clear that the proposal is no longer intended to encourage manufacturers to prevent all modifications or updates to the device software.

The Commission’s intended goal was to protect us against harmful interference by asking manufacturers to secure their devices against third-party software that could take the router out of its compliance. 

Many were confused by the prior document that asked manufacturers to explain “how [its] device is protected from ‘flashing’ and the installation of third-party firmware such as DD-WRT.” This prompted a great deal of confusion, but the FCC ensures that it was not mandating an entire blockage of open source firmware modifications.

The revised guidance clarifies the FCC’s intent on third-party access control and rules in favor of individuals’ rights.

“There is more hard work ahead of us as we finalize rules, and we welcome continued input from manufacturers, users, technologists, and others,” the Commission wrote.

Source: FCC