TP-Link, a Chinese company dominating the U.S. home and small business router market, is under investigation by federal agencies over concerns that its devices pose national security threats. Sources familiar with the probe have indicated that authorities are considering a potential ban on TP-Link products, which are widely used, including by federal agencies such as the Defense Department.
TP-Link controls 65% of the U.S. market, a position it has secured by offering routers at significantly lower prices than competitors. However, Microsoft’s October analysis revealed that compromised TP-Link devices were part of a network used by Chinese hackers to target Western governments and private entities. The company has also faced criticism for failing to address known security flaws in its products.
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
Investigators from the Commerce, Defense, and Justice Departments are scrutinizing TP-Link’s practices. The Commerce Department has reportedly issued a subpoena to the company as part of its inquiry. While recent breaches by the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon have not been directly linked to TP-Link routers, the incidents have heightened concerns about vulnerabilities in the company’s devices.
Critics argue that TP-Link’s low-cost strategy has come at the expense of security, making it easier for malicious actors to exploit their products. A potential ban would mirror the U.S. government’s 2019 decision to remove Huawei components from American infrastructure.
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
TP-Link has defended its practices, stating that it is committed to adhering to security standards and addressing vulnerabilities. A company spokeswoman said they are open to working with U.S. officials to demonstrate their commitment to national security.
If implemented, a ban on TP-Link routers could have significant implications, as the company has a California-based division responsible for its operations in the U.S.
