US Considers Banning TP-Link Routers Over Cybersecurity Concerns

So, here’s the deal: the U.S. government is looking into banning TP-Link routers starting next year. Why? Well, because they may be playing a role in some serious cyberattacks that could jeopardize national security. It turns out these routers, which make up about 65% of the U.S. market for home and small office networks, might be too good at not playing by the rules.

Here’s the kicker: some TP-Link devices are reportedly being hijacked by Chinese hackers to form a massive botnet used for password attacks. Microsoft recently called out TP-Link routers as being the most common culprits in these shady operations. This has the U.S. Department of Justice, Commerce, and Defense all taking a close look.

Now, TP-Link’s not sitting back quietly. They’ve publicly stated they’re ready to prove their security practices are up to par and in line with industry standards, particularly when it comes to keeping U.S. consumers safe. However, with over 300 U.S. internet providers shipping TP-Link routers by default—and even government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense using them—this investigation has the potential to be a game-changer.

If you’re a fan of cheap and cheerful routers, you might want to watch this space. Whether or not TP-Link gets banned, the whole situation is a good reminder to always check your device security settings. Stay safe, stay smart!

Source Info: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/us-considers-banning-tp-link-routers-over-cybersecurity-risks/