Federal authorities are considering banning Chinese-made TP-Link routers, citing national security risks. TP-Link, which holds 65% of the U.S. router market, has come under fire for alleged vulnerabilities in its devices, which are used in homes, small businesses, and even government agencies.
Microsoft’s October findings revealed that TP-Link routers were part of a network used by Chinese hackers to launch cyberattacks on Western entities. Investigators claim TP-Link often ships routers with security flaws and fails to address them, creating opportunities for exploitation.
BREAKING: @FBI Director Christopher Wray announcement live at our hearing:
“Just this morning we announced an operation where we and our partners identified hundreds of routers that had been taken over by the PRC state-sponsored hacking group known as Volt-Typhoon.” pic.twitter.com/XhLVB3jMHm
— Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (@committeeonccp) January 31, 2024
Sources: US officials are investigating Chinese router maker TP-Link, which has an estimated 65% US market share, and could ban the sale of its routers in 2025 (Wall Street Journal)https://t.co/BGj7zjtyeUhttps://t.co/uUfnKh32LIhttps://t.co/ZOzeer2dpR
— Techmeme (@Techmeme) December 18, 2024
The Commerce Department has reportedly issued a subpoena to TP-Link, with officials investigating its practices. While no direct link has been established between TP-Link and recent breaches by hacking group Salt Typhoon, the Biden administration’s focus on the company has increased following those incidents.
TP-Link’s low-cost products have made it a market leader, but critics argue that affordability has come at the expense of security. A ban would mark the largest removal of Chinese telecom equipment since Huawei’s components were stripped from U.S. infrastructure in 2019.
US could ban Chinese-made TP-Link routers over hacking fears: report https://t.co/4dsdky4qDk pic.twitter.com/YtJi9MhIVh
— New York Post (@nypost) December 18, 2024
BREAKING: FBI says it has taken down a large botnet of malware installed by Chinese hackers on hundreds of routers inside the US in an effort to get access to infrastructure. FBI says it used search and seizure warrants to remotely delete the malware-without notifying device… pic.twitter.com/5uUbsKn8dX
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 31, 2024
The company has defended its practices, asserting its adherence to security standards. The Chinese embassy has accused the U.S. of unfairly targeting Chinese companies, claiming the actions are politically motivated.
With Biden’s term ending, decisions regarding TP-Link may fall to the Trump administration, which has signaled plans to take a tougher stance on China.
