Don’t use your router’s USB port if these alternatives exist, a PC expert explains

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The main conclusions of ZDNET

• Your router may have USB ports on the back, but I don’t recommend using them.
• These entries often use outdated, vulnerable protocols that can give cybercriminals access to sensitive files and information on your network.
• If you’re interested in a central storage platform, there are better options available.

Have you ever wondered what the USB-A port on the back of your Wi-Fi router is for? Different things depending on the model. For example, the harbor at the AsusRT-BE86U router can be used for easy file sharing over your network, charging small devices, and as a waypoint for backing up your computer to an external drive.

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.

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The fact is that USB ports on routers are not secure. Many of them operate on outdated protocols, creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious parties. This doesn’t mean the entire router is at risk, but the USB port could be a weak link. Using them is not a risk worth taking, especially when safer alternatives are available.

Let’s list the top reasons why you should avoid using the USB port on your router and what you can do instead.

1. It’s a safety hazard

When I say “legacy protocols” I usually mean FTP or File Transfer Protocol. It is an old protocol from the 1970s that does not use any form of encryption; even sending passwords in plain text. FTP has been widely replaced by the HTTPS protocol, but even recent routers, such as the Asus RT-BE86U, have ports that use it.

If Progress software points out that a bad actor with the right technical knowledge could easily steal these credentials and even gain access to your network.

Also: Should You Upgrade Your Traditional Wi-Fi Router to Mesh? I compared the two, and here is my opinion

Another one to look out for is SMBv1 (Server Message Block version 1). It is another file sharing protocol that was particularly exploited by the WannaCry ransomware in 2017infecting hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide.

Microsoft has insisted businesses and IT professionals to disable the outdated protocols – and their use has indeed declined – but they still exist on devices in people’s homes. Add to that the fact that malware is becoming more sophisticated year by year, and it’s too risky to rely on these protocols for file transfers through a router.

2. It’s unreliable

This sounds obvious, but the primary purpose of a router is to set up and manage a wireless network. The hardware and software have been optimized for this. Once a router deviates from its primary purpose, the quality of the technology deteriorates.

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Most consumer models don’t have the processing power to handle both their normal networking tasks and file transfers at the same time. When the router combines multiple workloads, you may encounter the following:

• Slow wireless speeds
• Latency spikes
• Connection drops
• File transfer errors

The latter input can take different forms. It is possible that only part of the file is transferred, it is deleted, or worse, it becomes corrupted. To ensure connections remain stable, avoid using the USB port, especially if you own an older router.

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Articles from 2013 Please note that the USB 3.0 standard interferes with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signals. Technology has improved dramatically since then, but it’s still something to be aware of.

Another potential problem is overheating. The additional electrical load puts additional strain on the hardware, causing internal temperatures to rise, which can then result in performance degradation. High temperatures don’t just affect the router at this time; it can also shorten the life of the device.

What I recommend instead

If you want reliable file sharing and media storage for your home, there are much safer and better alternatives.

Buy a NAS

Your best option is to invest in a NAS (Network-Attached Storage), which is essentially a mini server for your home. While an external hardware drive can do something similar, a NAS offers one big advantage: strong data protection.

NAS devices typically support AES-256 encryption to protect sensitive files and data. Many models also support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). This technology distributes data across multiple NAS drives, keeping your files safe even if one of the drives fails unexpectedly.

Also: Looking for a capable NAS? Here’s one I recommend (but it’s not for beginners)

If you’re interested, I highly recommend checking out ZDNET’s list of the best network-attached storage devices you can buy. The TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus currently has the highest recommendation due to its quiet operation, good performance and compact size. However, it costs over $800. For a more budget-friendly option, the QNAP TS-233-US 2-bay is your best choice.

Invest in cloud storage

Another good alternative is to use cloud storage instead of relying on local drives. These platforms store files, photos, and videos securely online, making them accessible on virtually any device with an internet connection. Even better: most providers have free storage plans.

Googling has one of the best, giving users 15 GB for free Apple’s iCloud And Microsoft’s OneDrive each offer 5 GB of space. As great as these plans are, they fill up quickly. All three offer paid plans that allow you to expand your available space.

Also: Which cloud storage service should you buy in 2025? I compared the best options and this is my choice

I would also like to express a word of caution here. You may come across lesser-known cloud storage providers advertising an unusually large amount of free space, up to 1 TB. While many of these services provide the storage they promise, they raise many red flags. There are many forum posts questioning the legitimacy and security of these services, so I urge caution.

How to use the USB port safely

If you still want to use your router’s USB port, there are two important precautions you should take. First of all, only use it for non-critical files. Do not share or transfer anything sensitive through the port. Stick to low-risk content, such as movies you want to share with others in your household.

Second, install firmware updates as they become available to fix any security issues and maintain stability. Assuming your router is still receiving updates. Router manufacturers will discontinue support for older models. If your device is no longer supported, check out my list of the five products I recommend to improve your Wi-Fi.