Stop using your router's USB port - what PC experts recommend instead

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ZDNET's key takeaways

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• These inputs often run on outdated, vulnerable protocols that could give cybercriminals access to sensitive files and information on your network.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

Ever wondered what the USB-A port on the back of your Wi-Fi router is for? Several things, depending on the model. For example, the port on the Asus RT-BE86U router can be used for basic file sharing across 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 ...