TP-Link Routers Under Scrutiny: US Investigates Security Risks
The United States may impose a ban on the sale of popular TP-Link routers. According to The Wall Street Journal, three federal agencies—the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice—are investigating potential national security risks associated with the company’s devices.
The Chinese manufacturer holds a commanding 65% share of the U.S. home router market, with its products supplied to customers of over 300 internet service providers across the country. Federal contracts reveal that these devices are employed in organizations such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Additionally, they are sold in military retail outlets.
According to Microsoft, a Chinese hacker group has been leveraging a network of thousands of compromised devices—most of which are TP-Link routers—to target Western entities. The list of affected organizations includes think tanks, government and non-governmental institutions, and suppliers to the Department of Defense.
The Department of Justice’s investigation also extends to potential violations of antitrust laws. It is alleged that TP-Link routers may have been sold below production cost. A company representative has denied these allegations, asserting that TP-Link complies with U.S. laws, including antitrust regulations.
Reports indicate that vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers have been exploited to create botnets used in cyberattacks against American companies and institutions. A decision regarding the potential ban on the company’s products could be made as early as next year.
