"But here's the truth: I don't recommend using it. Having a USB port on the router sounds convenient, but there are a few problems. The fact is that USB ports on routers aren't secure. Many of them operate on outdated protocols, creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by bad actors. This doesn't mean the entire router is compromised, but the USB port can be a weak link. Using it is not a risk worth taking, especially when safer alternatives are available."
"When I say "outdated protocols", I am mostly referring to FTP or File Transfer Protocol. It's an old protocol from the 1970s that doesn't use any sort of encryption; even transmitting passwords in plain text. FTP has been widely replaced by the HTTPS protocol, but even recent routers, like the Asus RT-BE86U, have ports that use it. As Progress Software points out, a bad actor could easily take those credentials with the right technical know-how, even possibly gaining access to your network."
Many routers include USB-A ports that can support basic file sharing across a home network, charge small devices, and serve as a waypoint for backing up computers to external drives. Several router USB implementations rely on outdated protocols such as FTP that transmit passwords and data in plain text, creating exploitable vulnerabilities. A compromised USB service can give attackers credentials or a foothold on the local network even if the rest of the router remains secure. The USB port therefore represents a weak link. Avoid using router USB storage and choose safer options like dedicated NAS devices or encrypted cloud storage.
Read at ZDNET
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