WASHINGTON, DC (WOWO) Federal authorities are warning Americans to take immediate steps to secure their internet routers after disrupting a cyber operation linked to Russian intelligence.

The FBI recently carried out a court-authorized action to dismantle part of a network of compromised home and small office routers, according to FOX Business. Investigators say the operation targeted devices that had been exploited by a unit of Russia’s military intelligence agency.

Officials say hackers used known vulnerabilities in certain routers to hijack Domain Name System settings, allowing them to redirect internet traffic and steal login credentials. The compromised devices were located in at least 23 states and were used to support espionage efforts targeting military, government and critical infrastructure sectors, according to FOX Business.

Authorities say the operation reset affected router settings and blocked further access by the hackers without disrupting normal device function or collecting personal user data.

The FBI, along with other federal and international partners, is now urging users to take preventive steps to protect their devices. Recommended actions include updating router firmware, replacing outdated or unsupported equipment, changing default usernames and passwords, and disabling remote access features.

Officials say simply rebooting a router may not be enough to eliminate the threat and stress that ongoing vigilance is needed to protect personal and professional networks.