I was once speaking to some supposed "tech bod" at a computer fair (right butt-hole actually), and he told me that routers can catch viruses. I personally, from my experience don't see how they can. I mean, from what I know it just bounces the data in the right direction, a virus is a command line that needs to be executed, and the routers not going to execute it by it'self. And I can't execute anything ON my router. So, can routers actually catch viruses? And if so, how? Thanks. Daniel Ashley-Smith London, U.K

The only thing i can think of is that if someone had access to your router (as in you didnt change the default pass) they could load a .cfg file into the settings. (for me the wireless-b linksys router) All this really dose is change the settings. i wouldnt call it a viurs. i think if u upgrade with a bad driver as well that'll mess you up. but as far as routers getting viruses. No. i dont think its possiable but it is possiable to screw up the firmware ie. a bad update. which would require a router reboot and if that didnt work well then your probally screwed.

Precisely what I thought. And even that problem can be fixed easily (connect directly to the internet, download a backup .cfg file and install that) I think the only writable memory in a router is the cfg file, everything else is rom. (As far as I know) Oh well seems to me asthough that guy was talking crap. Could be wrong though. Anyway thanks for your input. Daniel Ashley-Smith London, U.K

Not easily. As has been pointed out, you really need *physical* access to the router to do this. It can also be done remotely if during a drunken orgy you disable the router's firewall, reset the password to default, and enable remote management. If you're ever going to have a party that good (a) lock the door to the router room and hide the key (b) invite me.

There are routers that have replaceable operating systems so if you leave it accessable and unprotected. It is conceivable to download a hacked version with a backdoor.