The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. authorities are probing the well-known home internet router manufacturer amid concerns about its possible associations with cyberattacks linked to China. Agencies such as the Justice, Defense, and Commerce Departments are actively investigating the brand, with the latter issuing a subpoena to the company.
This inquiry may culminate in a ban on the router manufacturer in the upcoming year, as the cyberattacks have reportedly impacted various entities, including Defense Department contractors, governmental bodies, non-profits, and think tanks. Such a prohibition would significantly affect the company, which commands roughly 65% of the U.S. router market and is even utilized by establishments like the Department of Defense and NASA.
According to the Wall Street Journal, TP-Link routers continue to be delivered to consumers despite known security vulnerabilities, and discussions with insiders indicate that the company has been reluctant to address these issues.
A spokesperson for the router manufacturer expressed a different viewpoint, stating, “We welcome any opportunities to engage with the U.S. government to demonstrate that our security practices align with industry standards and to reaffirm our commitment to the U.S. market, consumers, and addressing potential national security concerns.”
If enacted, this router ban would represent one of the most substantial withdrawals of Chinese telecommunications equipment from the American market since the Trump administration’s action against Huawei Technologies in 2019. TP-Link’s affordable routers have been a popular choice among consumers, and some premium models are regarded as top-tier Wi-Fi routers—even before this development came to light.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s crucial for users to ensure the security of their Wi-Fi networks and keep their router firmware updated. Regular firmware updates are essential for implementing the latest security patches that can protect against vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.
