Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Netgear Adds Support For "Collecting Analytics Data" To Popular R7000 Router

Posted by EditorDavid on from the watching-the-wifi dept.

An anonymous reader writes: Netgear's latest firmware update for the R7000 includes new support for collecting analytics data. The update release notes include this caution:

NOTE:It is strongly recommended that after the firmware is updated to this version, log back in to the router s web GUI and configure the settings for this feature.

An article on Netgear's KB states updated last week that Netgear collects information including IP addresses, MAC, certain WiFi information, and information about connected devices.

6 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. Wow! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I guess it is time to switch to a different brand.

  2. Yup by rholtzjr · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Not sure I like the "feature" if it is not configurable to either enable or disable (e.g. opt in/out).

  3. Notgear... by Svartalf · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I'm unsure I even like this "feature" with it being controllable.

    --
    I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  4. Clarification: Netgear collects your data by the_other_chewey · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's not made clear at all in TFS, and could be read as if Netgear routers now supported more network stats available to the router's owner.

    That's not it: "Analytics Data" collection is done by Netgear, remotely.

  5. Hence my new pet name for them... by Svartalf · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Notgear.

    --
    I am not merely a "consumer" or a "taxpayer". I am a Citizen of the State of Texas
  6. Re:It's a fad! by arth1 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    IMHO this shouldn't be more of an outrage than all of the tracking companies involved in collecting user data on various websites,

    Well, yes, it should. A web site only tracks users who visit it, using web browsers that cooperate.
    A router sees all traffic to and from all addresses for all users.

    The collected data from a router would also be of great help to anyone trying to penetrate the network.