ZDNet PC expert advises against using home router USB ports

A PC expert writing for ZDNet recommends not using the USB ports on home Wi-Fi routers, arguing they can create security and performance problems. The article says many router USB implementations rely on outdated, vulnerable protocols such as FTP and SMBv1, which lack strong encryption and can expose credentials; SMBv1 was notably exploited by the WannaCry ransomware in 2017, the piece notes.

It also warns that consumer routers are optimized for networking, not file handling, so using the USB port can cause slow wireless speeds, latency spikes, connection drops and file transfer failures, and may introduce issues such as USB 3.0 interference with 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi or overheating that shortens device lifespan.

For safer alternatives the article recommends buying a NAS (network-attached storage), which commonly supports AES-256 encryption and RAID for data protection, and points to the TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus as its top pick and the QNAP TS-233-US 2‑Bay as a budget option. It also suggests cloud storage services, noting Google offers 15 GB free and Apple iCloud and Microsoft OneDrive each offer 5 GB free, while warning that lesser-known providers promising very large free tiers can raise red flags.

Key Topics

Tech, Home Router, Ftp, Nas, Wi-fi Router, Wannacry