The Australian government just told thousands of people to throw out their routers — despite experts warning it could be a major security risk

The Australian government's recent decision to brick thousands of routers has sparked concerns about security risks and e-waste. The affected routers, which were part of the Measuring Broadband Australia (MBA) program, were remotely disabled on June 30, 2026, leaving users with the option to dispose of them. However, experts warn that disposing of these routers without properly wiping them could lead to digital security breaches. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has advised users to throw away the routers, despite the fact that they can be flashed with alternative firmware, making their destruction unnecessary.

Background of the MBA Program

The MBA program was initiated to collect information on broadband speeds across Australia, with 4,000 routers distributed to volunteers. The routers, which were whiteboxes from SamKnows, a subsidiary of Cisco, were given a finite lifespan, which ended in June 2026. The data collected by the routers was for measurement and customer registration purposes, and has apparently been deleted, according to emails sent to volunteers.

The SamKnows SK-WB8 routers were rolled out in 2020, with over 2,600 distributed by December of that year. The routers were designed to provide accurate measurements of broadband speeds, but their bricking has raised concerns about the environmental impact of e-waste. The ACCC's decision to brick the routers has been met with criticism from experts, who argue that the routers can still be used with custom firmware.

The ACCC has given stock responses to inquiries about the decision, failing to provide a clear explanation for why the routers are being bricked. The lack of transparency has raised concerns about the potential security risks associated with disposing of the routers without proper wiping. The Cisco subsidiary, SamKnows, has also been tight-lipped about the issue, leaving many questions unanswered.

Security Risks Associated with Disposal

The disposal of the routers without proper wiping poses a significant security risk, as sensitive data may still be stored on the devices. The ACCC has advised users to throw away the routers, but this may not be enough to prevent data breaches. Experts warn that the routers can still be used to access sensitive information, even if they are no longer connected to the internet. The SamKnows SK-WB8 routers can be flashed with alternative firmware, making their destruction unnecessary and potentially harmful to the environment.

The security risks associated with the disposal of the routers are further complicated by the fact that the ACCC has not provided clear guidance on how to properly wipe the devices. The lack of transparency and clear instructions has left many users unsure about how to proceed, increasing the risk of data breaches. The Australian government has a responsibility to ensure that the disposal of the routers is done in a way that minimizes the risk of security breaches.

The ACCC must take steps to address the security concerns associated with the disposal of the routers. This includes providing clear guidance on how to properly wipe the devices and ensuring that users are aware of the potential risks associated with disposal. The Australian government must also consider the environmental impact of e-waste and take steps to minimize it.

Environmental Impact of E-Waste

The bricking of the routers has resulted in a significant amount of e-waste, with thousands of devices being disposed of. The ACCC has not provided clear guidance on how to properly dispose of the routers, leaving many users unsure about how to proceed. The environmental impact of e-waste is a significant concern, as it can harm the environment and human health. The Australian government has a responsibility to ensure that the disposal of the routers is done in a way that minimizes the risk of environmental harm.

The SamKnows SK-WB8 routers can still be used with custom firmware, making their destruction unnecessary. The ACCC should consider alternative options for the disposal of the routers, such as recycling or repurposing. The Australian government must take steps to minimize the environmental impact of e-waste and ensure that the disposal of the routers is done in a responsible and sustainable way.

The ACCC must also consider the long-term consequences of the bricking of the routers. The decision to brick the devices may have unintended consequences, such as the creation of a market for used routers that can be flashed with alternative firmware. The Australian government must take a proactive approach to addressing the environmental impact of e-waste and ensuring that the disposal of the routers is done in a way that minimizes harm to the environment.

What This Actually Means For You

1. If you are a user of one of the affected routers, you should take steps to properly wipe the device before disposing of it to minimize the risk of security breaches.
2. The ACCC has advised users to throw away the routers, but this may not be enough to prevent data breaches, and you should consider alternative options for disposal.
3. The SamKnows SK-WB8 routers can still be used with custom firmware, making their destruction unnecessary, and you may want to consider repurposing or recycling the device instead of disposing of it.
4. You should be aware of the potential security risks associated with the disposal of the routers and take steps to protect yourself, such as using a secure method to wipe the device.
5. The Australian government has a responsibility to ensure that the disposal of the routers is done in a way that minimizes the risk of security breaches and environmental harm, and you should hold them accountable for their actions.

Immediate Action Steps

If you are a user of one of the affected routers, you should take immediate action to properly wipe the device and consider alternative options for disposal. You can start by contacting the ACCC to express your concerns about the security risks associated with the disposal of the routers. You should also consider reaching out to SamKnows or Cisco to inquire about alternative firmware options for the routers.

The ACCC should provide clear guidance on how to properly wipe the devices and ensure that users are aware of the potential risks associated with disposal. The Australian government must take steps to address the security concerns associated with the disposal of the routers and minimize the environmental impact of e-waste. You can also consider taking steps to protect yourself, such as using a secure method to wipe the device and being aware of the potential security risks associated with the disposal of the routers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MBA program and how does it relate to the bricked routers?

The MBA program is an initiative by the Australian government to collect information on broadband speeds across Australia. The SamKnows SK-WB8 routers were part of this program and were distributed to volunteers to collect data on broadband speeds. The bricking of the routers is a result of the program's completion and the ACCC's decision to disable the devices.

How can I properly wipe my router to minimize the risk of security breaches?

To properly wipe your router, you should use a secure method to erase all data stored on the device. The ACCC has not provided clear guidance on how to do this, but you can consider contacting SamKnows or Cisco for instructions. You should also consider using a secure method to wipe the device, such as a factory reset or a secure erase tool.

What are the environmental implications of the bricked routers and how can I minimize my impact?

The bricking of the routers has resulted in a significant amount of e-waste, which can harm the environment and human health. To minimize your impact, you can consider repurposing or recycling the device instead of disposing of it. You can also consider contacting the ACCC or SamKnows to express your concerns about the environmental impact of the bricked routers.

What Do You Think?

Do you think the Australian government has taken sufficient steps to address the security concerns and environmental impact associated with the bricked routers, and what actions would you take to minimize the risks and harm caused by the disposal of these devices?