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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• These inputs often run on outdated, vulnerable protocols that could give cybercriminals access to sensitive files and information on your network.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.

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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 few problems.

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 Many of them operate on outdated protocols, creating vulnerabilities that can be exploited by bad actors.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

Let's break down the biggest reasons you should avoid using the USB port on your router and what to do instead.

1. It's a security risk

route

Cliff Joseph / ZDNet

When I say "outdated protocols", I am mostly referring to FTP or File Transfer Protocol. It's an old protocol from the 1970s that doesn't use any sort of encryption; even transmitting passwords in plain text. FTP has been widely replaced by the HTTPS protocol, but even recent routers, like the Asus RT-BE86U, have ports that use it. 

 As Progress Software points out, a bad actor could easily take those credentials with the right technical know-how, even possibly gaining access to your network. 

Also: Should you upgrade your traditional Wi-Fi router to mesh? I compared the two, and here's my take

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

Microsoft has been urging companies and IT professionals to disable the legacy protocols -- and their usage has indeed dropped -- but they still exist on devices in people's homes. Add the fact that malware becomes more sophisticated year after year, and it's too risky to rely on these protocols for file transfer over a router.

2. It's unreliable

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

This is going to sound obvious, but the primary purpose of a router is to establish and manage a wireless network. That's what the hardware and software are optimized for. It's when once a router deviates from its primary purpose, that the quality of the technology deteriorates.

Also: Your home Wi-Fi isn't nearly as private as it should be - 6 free ways to lock it down

Most consumer models don't have the processing power to handle both their normal networking tasks and file transfers simultaneously. When the router is juggling multiple workloads, you may encounter:

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

That last entry can come in multiple forms. It's possible that only part of the file will transfer, that it gets dropped, or worse, corrupted. To ensure that connections stay stable, avoid using the USB port, especially if you own an older router.

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Articles from as far back as 2013 point out 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 mindful of.

Another potential issue is overheating. The added electrical load puts extra strain on the hardware, increasing internal temperatures, which can then result in performance throttling. High heat doesn't just affect the router in the moment; it can also shorten the device's lifespan.

What I recommend instead

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

Buy a NAS

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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 provides one major advantage: strong data protection.

NAS devices commonly support AES-256 encryption to safeguard sensitive files and data. Many models also support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). This technology distributes data across multiple NAS drives, ensuring your files remain 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 holds the top recommendation due to its quiet operation, good performance, and compact size. It does cost over $800, though. For a more budget-friendly option, the QNAP TS-233-US 2-Bay is your best choice.

Invest in cloud storage

Proton

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

Google has one of the best, giving users 15GB at no cost, while Apple's iCloud and Microsoft's OneDrive each provide 5GB of space. As great as these plans are, they fill up quickly. All three offer paid subscriptions that expand your available space.

Also: Which cloud storage service should you buy in 2025? I compared the best options, and here's my pick

I also want to give a word of warning, here. You may come across less-known cloud storage providers advertising an unusually large amount of free space, up to 1TB. While many of these services deliver the storage they promise, they raise a lot of red flags. You'll find many forum posts questioning the legitimacy and safety of these services, so I urge caution. 

How to use the the USB port safely

If you insist on using your router's USB port, there are two important precautions to follow. First, only use it for non-critical files. Don't 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.

Secondly, install firmware updates as soon as they become available to patch up any security issues and maintain stability. That's assuming your router is still receiving updates. Router manufacturers will drop 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.

I've spent nearly a decade reviewing hardware, software, and various types of consumer tech -- including Wi-Fi routers. As part of my work, I push routers to their limits in an effort to see if they're worth recommending. I pay attention to any changes in speed that may occur, as well as learn what they can or can't handle. Sometimes a feature, such as a USB port, may seem like it'll come in handy, but in practice, it isn't worth using due to key flaws.

Also: Should you be afraid of smart home hacking? 6 ways experts keep their devices protected

I then share those findings so you can avoid the pitfalls that I discovered or ran into. So when I say that the USB port is more trouble than it's worth, it's because I've seen the slow performance, and I've seen the security issues firsthand. My goal is to provide guidance rooted in real testing, so you can make smart choices for your home network. I also aim to foster the confidence to manage your network effectively. With the right information, you'll identify problems before they arise.

Another thing: keep in mind that these aren't rigid rules. Think of them as a foundation you can build upon based on your setup and needs.

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