TP-Link Routers Could Be Banned In 2025, Potentially Affecting Internet Users Across the US
America’s best-selling router may not be around for much longer.
Authorities are considering banning TP-Link Wi-Fi routers next year, The Wall Street Journal reports report. The China-founded router maker is reportedly under investigation by the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense and Justice over security concerns and ties to Chinese cyberattacks.
Why is TP-Link under investigation?
Sources told the Wall Street Journal that TP-Link routers manufactured in China often come out of the factory with security flaws, and when the flaws are discovered, the company refuses to engage with security researchers.
October, Microsoft releases its own analysis The study found that TP-Link routers made up the majority of infected devices in Chinese “password spraying” hacking attacks, calling the attack a “nation-state threat actor campaign.”
By the time Microsoft released its report, TP-Link was already under scrutiny: In August, the House Select Committee on Chinese Communist Party urged an investigation into the company.
“TP-Link’s unusually serious vulnerability and the need to comply with (Chinese) law are troubling in themselves,” legislators wrote. “When combined with the (Chinese) government’s widespread use of (home office) routers like TP-Link to conduct widespread cyberattacks in the United States, this becomes very alarming.”
The latest report said a Commerce Department investigation is ongoing, and separate investigations are underway at the Defense and Justice Departments. Sources told the Wall Street Journal that an office of the U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a subpoena to TP-Link and may ban the sale of TP-Link equipment next year.
Look at this: The Best Wi-Fi Routers of 2024: Buying Guide
A spokesperson for TP-Link Systems Inc. said: “Like many consumer electronics brands, TP-Link Systems’ routers have been identified as potential targets for hackers. However, there is no evidence that our products are any more vulnerable than those of other brands. .” told CNET.
CNET has several TP-Link models in our list The best Wi-Fi routers And will be watching this story closely to see if we need to re-evaluate these options. As of this writing, we do not recommend purchasing a TP-Link router.
“The ubiquity of this technology and the potential risks associated with it do pose security concerns for users, both at the consumer level and as a matter of national security considerations for government entities, and should be taken seriously,” said Guy, the company’s vice president of corporate development. Segal said. Cybersecurity company Sygnia told CNET.
The Biden administration is already exploring action against TP-Link to address a host of issues. Recent China-backed cyberattacksBut a ban on TP-Link routers may depend on the Trump administration, which is expected to take a tough stance against Chinese companies. 2019, Trump issue executive order The bill effectively bans U.S. companies from using network equipment from Huawei, another Chinese company that has been criticized for national security concerns.
TP-Link ban will affect millions of users
When Huawei was banned in the United States, almost no one in the country used its smartphones. Not so with TP-Link.
According to the Wall Street Journal, TP-Link routers account for 64.9% of the U.S. router market. (For comparison, the iPhone has 53% market share The company rose rapidly during the epidemic and has a market share of about 20%. Data comes from broomIT Asset Management found that 12% of home Wi-Fi routers in the United States are made by TP-Link.
TP-Link routers are generally much cheaper than the competition. Its latest Wi-Fi 7 router currently sells for Amazon $108;A router with similar specs costs approx. ASUS $218a Taiwanese company, and Netgear $230an American company.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Justice Department is investigating whether these low prices violate a federal law that prohibits creating a monopoly by selling products below the cost of making them. A TP-Link spokesman denied that it was involved in these practices.
In addition to being the most common router choice for consumers buying their own equipment, TP-Link also manufactures the routers that more than 300 U.S. internet providers send to you when you choose to rent equipment from them. They are also widely used by government agencies, appearing in contract documents for the Department of Defense and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
How to protect your network if you have a TP-Link router
If you’re one of the millions of Internet users with a TP-Link router in your home, you may be concerned that your device has been compromised. Microsoft’s report found that since August 2023, TP-Link routers have been used in “password spraying attacks,” which typically occur when the router is disabled. Use default password. As always, when it comes to your home network equipment, a few basic security steps will go a long way. Protect your data. Here’s what you can do now:
- Update your login credentials: A surprising number of cybersecurity vulnerabilities can be traced to using default login credentials set by the router manufacturer (or internet provider, if you rent the device). Most routers have an app that lets you update your login credentials, but you can also Enter your router’s IP address in the URL. These credentials are different from your Wi-Fi name and password and should be changed as well Every six months or so. Some good rules of thumb when it comes to passwords: avoid using common word and character combinations, longer passwords are better, and don’t reuse passwords for multiple accounts.
- Turn on firewall and Wi-Fi encryption: These are usually turned on by default, but I recommend making sure they are activated. This will make it harder for hackers to eavesdrop on the data sent between the router and devices connected to the router. You can also find these settings by logging into your router from its app or website.
- Consider buying a new router: We always recommend purchasing your own router rather than renting one from an internet service provider. This is mainly a Tips for cost savingsbut if your ISP uses TP-Link equipment, now might be a good time to switch to another brand. No matter which router you choose, look for WPA3 certification –The latest router security protocols.
- Update your firmware: A TP-Link spokesperson told us customers should regularly check for firmware updates to ensure their routers are secure. “Customers with a TP-Link Cloud account can do this simply by clicking the ‘Check for Updates’ button in their product’s firmware menu,” the spokesperson said. “All other customers can do so on TP-Link.com Find the latest firmware on the product’s download page.”
