The most popular home internet router brand in the US could be banned from being sold because of concerns it might be a national security risk.
Three US agencies are now looking into TP-Link routers, which make up 65% of the market. Part of the reason is that over 300 internet providers give these routers to their customers.
According to WSJ reports U.S. authorities officials are looking into whether a Chinese company TP-Link known for its popular home internet routers, might be a security risk because of its links to cyberattacks. They’re even thinking about banning these routers.
The Commerce, Defense and Justice departments are all investigating and there’s a chance TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. next year according to people familiar with the situation.
Many have been concerned for a while that internet providers often give customers TP-Link routers, especially since these routers have a history of security flaws that the company hasn’t fixed. What’s even more worrying is that some have been bought by government agencies.
A Microsoft analysis in October revealed that a Chinese hacking group is running a large network of hacked devices, mostly made up of thousands of TP-Link routers. This group network has been used by several Chinese hackers to carry out cyberattacks. Their group targets include Western think tanks, government agencies, nonprofits and companies tied to the US Defense Department.
This could be why the Justice Department suspects TP-Link might sell their routers for less than it costs to make them.
The Justice Department is looking into whether breaks a federal law that bans selling products at a loss to push out competitors. A TP-Link spokesperson said the company doesn’t sell products below cost and follows all U.S laws including those against monopolies.
