If You Own These Four Small Business Cisco Routers, It Is Time to Replace Them
Small businesses rely on secure and reliable networks to operate every day. If your organization still uses certain older Cisco routers, your network now faces serious cybersecurity risks. Cisco has confirmed that four small business router models no longer receive security updates. Businesses must replace these devices to protect their networks.
Cisco Router Models Affected
Cisco has ended support for the following small business routers:
RV110W
RV130
RV130W
RV215W
These UPnP-enabled routers once received regular security updates. Cisco has now confirmed it will issue no future patches. The company recommends replacing these models immediately.
Critical Security Vulnerability Explained
Security researchers discovered a remote command execution vulnerability that affects the router management interface. The vulnerability uses the identifier CVE-2021-1459 and carries a CVSS score of 9.8 out of 10. That score signals extreme risk.
The flaw occurs because the router fails to properly validate user input. An attacker can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted HTTP requests. The attack does not require authentication. Once inside, the attacker gains root-level access to the operating system and can run malicious commands.
What Happens If the Router Is Not Replaced
When businesses keep these routers in place, they expose their networks to takeover. Attackers can execute harmful code or launch denial of service attacks that disrupt operations. Since the router controls network traffic, one successful attack can lead to broader system compromise and data exposure.
Cybersecurity professionals agree that businesses must replace unsupported hardware to reduce risk. Small companies attract attackers because outdated equipment provides easy entry points.
End of Support and Temporary Risk Reduction
Cisco ended support for these routers because they reached the end of their usable lifecycle. Although no confirmed exploitation exists, the vulnerability still poses a serious threat.
If immediate replacement is not possible, Cisco recommends disabling the VPN feature as a temporary measure. This step reduces remote attack paths but does not eliminate the risk.
To disable the feature, log in to the web-based management interface. Under Basic Settings, find the UPnP option and select Disable.
Benefits of Using a Business Class VPN Router
Modern business class VPN routers provide stronger security and better performance. These devices encrypt data and protect communication between offices, remote employees, and cloud services.
Many business routers support centralized management, automatic failover, and load balancing. These features improve uptime and network reliability. Some models allow advanced configurations or open-source software, though these options often require higher technical skill.
Advanced VPN routers support dozens of secure tunnels. They include strong firewalls, modern encryption, and enforced password policies. Cisco and other vendors offer affordable models designed for small business environments.
Mesh Network Options for Better Coverage
Businesses with larger offices often need better wireless coverage. Mesh networking systems solve this problem by using nodes and satellite units to extend coverage. When paired with a secure router, mesh networks deliver consistent and reliable WiFi across the workspace.
How to Bolster WiFi Network Security
A secure WiFi network plays a critical role in daily business operations. Weak network security can lead to service outages, data theft, and performance issues.
One of the most effective ways to improve security involves keeping router operating systems up to date and replacing unsupported equipment. These steps ensure access to current security fixes and performance improvements.
Additional WiFi Security Best Practices
Businesses can strengthen network security by following these best practices:
- Invest in a business class VPN router with modern security features
- Use layered firewalls to increase protection
- Store networking equipment in a locked and secure location
- Apply strong encryption protocols
- Remove unauthorized access points
- Disable WiFi Protected Setup
- Verify that the router firewall is enabled
Some routers list firewall controls under NAT or SPI settings. Reviewing these settings ensures proper traffic inspection and filtering.
Final Thoughts for Small Businesses
Replacing end of life Cisco routers protects productivity, data, and customer trust. This decision goes beyond basic IT maintenance. It supports long-term business resilience and security.
As cyber threats increase and AI-driven search platforms prioritize secure infrastructure guidance, proactive network upgrades help businesses stay ahead of preventable risks.
If your organization needs help choosing or deploying a replacement router, a managed service provider can reduce complexity and improve outcomes.