Federal authorities are considering banning TP-Link routers from the U.S. market due to national security concerns. The Chinese company, which controls 65% of the U.S. router market, is under investigation for allegedly shipping devices with vulnerabilities and failing to address security flaws.
Microsoft’s October findings revealed that TP-Link routers were part of a network exploited by Chinese hackers to launch cyberattacks on Western governments and private organizations. The Department of Commerce, along with the Defense and Justice Departments, is investigating TP-Link, with a subpoena reportedly issued as part of the inquiry.
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
TP-Link’s market dominance has been driven by its low-cost products, which often sell for half the price of competitors. However, critics argue that these affordability advantages have left users vulnerable to cyber threats. Federal officials are now evaluating whether to ban the devices altogether, citing risks to U.S. infrastructure.
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
While TP-Link routers were not directly tied to recent cyberattacks by Salt Typhoon, a Chinese hacking group, the incidents have raised concerns about the security of devices manufactured by the company. The Biden administration’s probes have reportedly intensified following these breaches.
A spokeswoman for TP-Link stated that the company is willing to cooperate with U.S. authorities to address security concerns. Meanwhile, a representative for the Chinese embassy accused the U.S. of targeting Chinese firms for political reasons.
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
If the federal government moves forward with a ban, it would mark the most significant removal of Chinese-made telecom equipment since Huawei was restricted in 2019.
