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Cisco Pushes New Cloud Firmware Without Customer Approval
Then Informs You They Can Track and Sell Network Data

Reddit users have noticed that Cisco has started automatically pushing the company's new "Cloud Connect" firmware update to consumer routers -- without customer approval. Annoyed users note that the update won't let consumers directly log into their routers anymore -- they have to register for a new Cloud Connect account. The only way to revert to directly accessing the device you paid for? You have to unplug it from the Internet.

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As an additional annoyance, the terms of service for the new Cloud Connect service give Cisco the right to track and sell your network traffic and Internet activity to third parties:
quote:
...we may keep track of certain information related to your use of the Service, including but not limited to the status and health of your network and networked products; which apps relating to the Service you are using; which features you are using within the Service infrastructure; network traffic (e.g., megabytes per hour); Internet history; how frequently you encounter errors on the Service system and other related information ("Other Information"). We use this Other Information to help us quickly and efficiently respond to inquiries and requests, and to enhance or administer our overall Service for our customers.

We may also use this Other Information for traffic analysis (for example, determining when the most customers are using the Service) and to determine which features within the Service are most or least effective or useful to you. In addition, we may periodically transmit system information to our servers in order to optimize your overall experience with the Service. We may share aggregated and anonymous user experience information with service providers, contractors or other third parties...
Some users who don't want the firmware update are being told that there's nothing Cisco can do, while others are being directed to manually roll back their firmware if they don't like the new service or TOS (meaning you won't get useful future upgrades). One gets the sense that the backlash to this rather presumptuous move is going to start really rolling once it gets a full head of media steam. It's just one more reason to install third party router firmware -- assuming your device can run it.
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FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Can rollback firmware & turn off auto update

»www.reddit.com/r/technol ··· thout_my

Per our conversation, please download the EA4500 firmware from the link below to rollback your firmware:
»www.dropbox.com/s/ph3a9j ··· 1047.SSA
Now, follow the instructions below to rollback the firmware:
Unplug the Ethernet cable from the WAN port of your EA4500 router.
Go to »192.168.1.1 to access your router. NOTE: Username and password should still be what you have previously used.
Once logged in, Click on Connectivity from the menu options on the left.
The Firmware Update option will be on the right-hand side of the first tab.
Within the Manual box, click on the “Choose File” button
Browse to the file you downloaded the firmware to.
Once selected, click start.
Once your router is rolled back, you will need to log back into your router and disable automatic firmware updates or your router will upgrade again.
This option can be disabled by clicking on the Administrative tab and then the Firmware Upgrade sub-tab.
Save settings

I am sure you can find older firmware for other eligible Linksys routers on their site or elsewhere on internet.

And if you turn off autoupdate firmware now, you won't be bothered.

And I agree, that autoupdate to the new "Connect" firmware where you have to signup for the service is stupid.
FFH5

3 edits

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Can rollback firmware & turn off auto update

Netgear has something a little similar called Netgear Genie, but it isn't in the firmware(only on PC) and signup is not needed.
»www.netgear.com/landing/ ··· nie.aspx

vs

What Linksys offers(Cisco Cloud Connect), which was an update from just Cisco Connect(similar to Netgear Genie):
»home.cisco.com/en-us/cloud

They do very similar things, but one is voluntary(Netgear) and doesn't appear to collect any info.
Mr Matt
join:2008-01-29
Eustis, FL

Mr Matt

Member

Re: Can rollback firmware & turn off auto update

My Netgear WNDR3400 had automatic update enabled by default. The original firmware had a check box on the start up page that allowed the user to turn off the automatic update function directly. My router has been automatically updated once and the automatic update start up page changed. The webpage that allows the user to disable the automatic update function appears too briefly for the user to uncheck the box. To disable automatic update now the user has to go to the Router Upgrade tab under Maintenance and uncheck the check box for the check new version at log on. Once that is done the installed firmware no longer checks for new firmware.

spewak
R.I.P Dadkins
Premium Member
join:2001-08-07
Elk Grove, CA

spewak to FFH5

Premium Member

to FFH5
One reason I use Netgear products.
25139889 (banned)
join:2011-10-25
Toledo, OH

25139889 (banned)

Member

Re: Can rollback firmware & turn off auto update

Cisco with 3rd party firmware

skeechan
Ai Otsukaholic
Premium Member
join:2012-01-26
AA169|170

1 recommendation

skeechan

Premium Member

Bring on the ambulance chasers...

Someone has to get Cisco users a $5 coupon toward a new Cisco device and pay a few million for lawyers' vacation homes and kids' tuition.
old_wiz_60
join:2005-06-03
Bedford, MA

old_wiz_60

Member

cisco needs the money

after all, how do they pay the million dollar bonuses to the executives? the money doesn't go to improve service, it goes for bonuses. (and bribes to government agencies to leave them alone)

flyingroache
@spcsdns.net

flyingroache

Anon

Re: cisco needs the money

Cisco had excellent luxury box at Yankee stadium....the only "bribe" i got was tons of beer tickets and food from Cisco. They always had more food then other vendors.

Ianto Jones
join:2011-01-01
Merchantville, NJ

Ianto Jones

Member

Seriously??!?! Wow...

This is nuts... And while you can go back to the old version, it also means that you can't upgrade again.... until they remove this crap.

What is wrong with these companies?!?!?!?

Have it be optional... you get their devices for free if you agree to them using your data they collect and sell.
xenophon
join:2007-09-17

xenophon

Member

Re: Seriously??!?! Wow...

said by Ianto Jones:

This is nuts...

What is wrong with these companies?!?!?!?

I agree if true. This is one thing privacy/consumer groups should pounce on.

TwiztedZero
Nine Zero Burp Nine Six
Premium Member
join:2011-03-31
Toronto, ON

TwiztedZero

Premium Member

[Fire] In Ur Holes!

And so Cisco branded anythings gets thrown onto the ever growing boycott vendor list along with Apple and Sony . . .




. . . Let the bridge burning commence!
milkman82
join:2006-06-19
Cleveland, OH

milkman82

Member

Re: [Fire] In Ur Holes!

Don't forget to throw Google in that list as well
34764170 (banned)
join:2007-09-06
Etobicoke, ON

34764170 (banned)

Member

Re: [Fire] In Ur Holes!

said by milkman82:

Don't forget to throw Google in that list as well

You forgot Adobe and Microsoft.

pokesph
It Is Almost Fast
Premium Member
join:2001-06-25
Sacramento, CA

pokesph

Premium Member

greed

Apparently the greed bug that infects most companies today has hit up the linksys division of Cisco. "Gimme you infos so I can sell it and make more monies!"

so sad.

I no longer use any newer linksys products myself (quality, performance, and looks have gone way downhill) but for you others still using these, I feel bad.

ctgreybeard
Old dogs can learn new tricks
Premium Member
join:2001-11-13
Bethel, CT

ctgreybeard

Premium Member

Re: greed

said by pokesph:

I no longer use any newer linksys products myself (quality, performance, and looks have gone way downhill) but for you others still using these, I feel bad.

I just trashed my E3200 last week because it was increasingly flaky. Now I'm extra glad I did.

whfsdude
Premium Member
join:2003-04-05
Washington, DC

whfsdude

Premium Member

Consumer Routers

Atom + pfsense is really the way to go. At least for users of this site.

SimbaSeven
I Void Warranties
join:2003-03-24
Billings, MT

SimbaSeven

Member

Re: Consumer Routers

..or just flash dd-wrt, OpenWRT, or Tomato onto their routers.

danclan
join:2005-11-01
Midlothian, VA

danclan

Member

Re: Consumer Routers

Doesnt work on these newer routers they run Marvell chip set so no dd-wrt or tomato for you....

SimbaSeven
I Void Warranties
join:2003-03-24
Billings, MT
·StarLink

SimbaSeven

Member

Re: Consumer Routers

said by danclan:

Doesnt work on these newer routers they run Marvell chip set so no dd-wrt or tomato for you....

Ya.. That's what stinks about them.

Good thing I'm looking into Buffalo and Ubiquiti. The consumers should see if the router they're thinking of buying is compatible with dd-wrt.

battleop
join:2005-09-28
00000

battleop to whfsdude

Member

to whfsdude
I think I'll keep my 7206vxr for now.
TheMG
Premium Member
join:2007-09-04
Canada

TheMG to whfsdude

Premium Member

to whfsdude
My preferred choice is Mikrotik stuff. Cheaper than an Atom pfsense build but it still kicks ass and extremely flexible what it can do.

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

lol. U mad bro?!

I wonder if this was covered in the devices licensing agreement?

steve1515
Premium Member
join:2000-08-07
Peabody, MA

steve1515

Premium Member

Does it apply to all Cisco routers?

The article isn't clear on which routers are getting the new firmware. When I read this, I assumed they meant routers like the ASA. Looking at the comments, It appears that this only applied to the small home routers.
Can some one clear this up?

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Does it apply to all Cisco routers?

said by steve1515:

The article isn't clear on which routers are getting the new firmware. When I read this, I assumed they meant routers like the ASA. Looking at the comments, It appears that this only applied to the small home routers.
Can some one clear this up?

For now, it is these 3:
EA2700, EA3500, EA4500
»home.cisco.com/en-us/cloud
robewhitener
join:2001-06-22
Asheville, NC

robewhitener

Member

Re: Does it apply to all Cisco routers?

I guess my next router will be a Dlink or Netgear. That's a pretty lousy way for Cisco to treat people who paid them for equipment.

Paulg
Displaced Yooper
Premium Member
join:2004-03-15
Neenah, WI

Paulg to steve1515

Premium Member

to steve1515
Not to be pedantic, but the ASA is NOT a router, its a security appliance.

steve1515
Premium Member
join:2000-08-07
Peabody, MA

steve1515

Premium Member

Re: Does it apply to all Cisco routers?

said by Paulg:

Not to be pedantic, but the ASA is NOT a router, its a security appliance.

Yes. You are correct.
vannyx
Premium Member
join:2003-07-07
Bronx, NY

vannyx to Paulg

Premium Member

to Paulg
too bad it isnt a UTM appliance.

Paulg
Displaced Yooper
Premium Member
join:2004-03-15
Neenah, WI

Paulg

Premium Member

Re: Does it apply to all Cisco routers?

I disagree. I'd rather have 2 good devices than 1 that is mediocre at both.

cowboyro
Premium Member
join:2000-10-11
CT

cowboyro

Premium Member

Moral of the story...

...RTFM. And disable auto updates if you don't want them.
Nelson469
join:2009-11-20
Palmer, AK

1 recommendation

Nelson469

Member

Cisco- greed at it's best

I've had problems with Cisco before. Once it was over a VXR7200 router. I was on a 3 way conversation with network ops and Cisco. We determined the problem was the VXR and it needed a new motherboard. Cisco being bitches they are, demanded a credit card before shipping it. That alone infuriated me, considering we've purchased millions of dollars of their equipment, not for just my network but other organization's networks. Cisco put us on hold. I told network ops when this was all done, I was going to push for replacing all cisco devices with foundry and cisco can eat a sh*t sandwich. Upon saying this, cisco came back on the line and said no credit card was needed and a new motherboard would be sitting on the security desk Sunday morning (this was Friday night).

My other challenge started when linksys went under the cisco umbrella. I had some SPA962 phones at home and needed new firmware updates. I got into a hour long pissing contest with the idiot cisco rep over why I had to pay for a critical update when it was their firmware that was jacked up in the first place. If they wrote tight programs, there would be no critical updates. I told the rep to keep talking because I was working on a letter to my state attorney general on filing charges under the RICO Act for racketeering and extortion. She suddenly got nice and provided access to the updates.

I quit buying cisco routers for home use years ago. I game a lot and noticed their routers would wear out after 6 months and start dropping packets, firmware re flash or not. The D-Link gamer lounge has been rock solid for the last 6 years and still running strong. When doing installs and upgrades for SMB's, I spec D-Link routers and call cisco SMB equipment for what it is- junk.

Smith6612
MVM
join:2008-02-01
North Tonawanda, NY
·Charter
Ubee EU2251
Ubiquiti UAP-IW-HD
Ubiquiti UniFi AP-AC-HD

1 recommendation

Smith6612

MVM

They've lost their sense of direction

I believe Cisco has started to lose their sense of direction for what they're looking to accomplish in their business. While I'm sure they're not going to go piss off the enterprise and service provider market by pulling these tricks since that's where all of their money is selling powerful Firewall and Routing appliances (or gear, whichever term you use to identify network gear as a whole), Cisco seems to be more concerned with trafficking data to sell it, and to sell more gear based on that traffic than to actually build hardware and write respective software for them. This "pushed firmware" is just wrong on so many levels based on what their ultimate intentions are with it. "Higher end" users that still preferred Linksys routers with stock firmware will be irked, and Cisco could have very well put some people at an inconvenience by flashing the routes remotely or relying on auto-update to do it. A lot of stuff breaks from that kind of upgrade.

Linksys will never be the same again I'm afraid. Gone are the days of the units actually being decent (WRT54G(*) for example). This Cisco Cloud router-based management is yet another thing to bug up in the router to cause all sorts of issues down the road, and yet another thing to waste CPU cycles and RAM decreasing the performance of the unit. Can't say I've seen third party firmware bug out enough to cause a minor inconvenience (eg: Change a setting, something is fixed, or UPnP is broken, so you just reload the daemon via cron every now and again). Either way, Cisco's going in the wrong direction. I'm also afraid they're setting a role-model for other manufacturers too.

•••••••

Anonymous_
Anonymous
Premium Member
join:2004-06-21
127.0.0.1

Anonymous_

Premium Member

illegal wire tap

How long before they get sued for illegal wire taps?

•••••••••••••
Cobra11M
join:2010-12-23
Mineral Wells, TX

Cobra11M

Member

.....wow

wow, thats really not cool cisco.. im glad i have a e3000 and already loaded a custom firmware onto it...

pclover
join:2008-08-02
Santa Cruz, CA

pclover

Member

Juniper Networks

Well if Cisco pulls tricks on enterprise there is always Juniper Networks they can use.

Out of the this question but I herd Juniper has better cheaper products.

Smith6612
MVM
join:2008-02-01
North Tonawanda, NY
·Charter
Ubee EU2251
Ubiquiti UAP-IW-HD
Ubiquiti UniFi AP-AC-HD

Smith6612

MVM

Re: Juniper Networks

said by pclover:

Well if Cisco pulls tricks on enterprise there is always Juniper Networks they can use.

Out of the this question but I herd Juniper has better cheaper products.

You've heard well. Their gear can push a *TON* of data for less upfront cost, which is why you find Juniper in the core of many high-bandwidth networks . Not that Cisco can't do it, but I suppose there's trade-offs to each supplier.

tshirt
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Snohomish, WA

tshirt

Premium Member

So what happens when...

...someone can't get online due to a route/ or even a possible error but can't check locally either.
i understand them wanting to get into the VERY profitable "managed system" business, but someone didn't think this through.
It is fine to offer it, don't force down the throat of existing customers who don't want it.

Bad Cisco BAD!

Smith6612
MVM
join:2008-02-01
North Tonawanda, NY

Smith6612

MVM

Re: So what happens when...

Apparently when there's no Internet the Cloud features shut off and you can access the router GUI. So, they kinda did but I'm not sure if anyone knows how robust it actually is.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium Member
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK

KrK

Premium Member

This is what happens...

When Corporate interests (Money) trump consumer protection, privacy, anti-trust laws.

•••••
BiggA
Premium Member
join:2005-11-23
Central CT

BiggA

Premium Member

Note to self...

Don't buy any more Cisco routers except WRT-54GLs since I flash those to Tomato anyways. Not that I was planning to anyways. I've switched to Netgear, and I've been very happy with what they do.
amungus
Premium Member
join:2004-11-26
America

1 edit

amungus

Premium Member

Dear Cisco

This is bullshit. That is all.

Earnhardt
@comcast.net

Earnhardt

Anon

Cisco VP/GM Response to this issue

Cisco addresses this issue in a blog: »blogs.cisco.com/home/ans ··· t-cloud/

The blog states, in part: "Cisco prides itself on offering the best customer experiences, and privacy and security are at the core of everything we do. That goes for Cisco Connect Cloud too. When a customer signs up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account, personal information is used only to establish an account in order to provide customer support. Consistent with Cisco's practices, Cisco Connect Cloud does not actively track, collect or store personal info or usage data for any other purposes, nor is it transmitted to third parties. We also wanted to clear up any confusion about Cisco's `opt in' practices. Cisco Connect Cloud was delivered only to consumers who opted in to automatic updates.

While we hope this reminder of our standard company practices will allay any concerns, customers who do not wish to establish a Cisco Connect Cloud account and would prefer to revert back to the traditional Linksys setup and management software can do so by calling the Linksys customer support line at 1-800-326-7114. One of our agents will walk you through the process."

epidemic
@shawcable.net

epidemic

Anon

Re: Cisco VP/GM Response to this issue

I called the number and it is bull***. They don't walk you through the process at all. They tell you about all the benefits of the new firmware. I am so, so angry. Never again will I buy a Cisco product. EVER, ever, ever.
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