Commerce Investigating TP-Link Routers; Future Ban Possible
The Wall Street Journal and CNN are reporting that the Commerce Department is investigating the security risk of TP-Link routers, and unnamed sources said the product could be banned for sale in the U.S. next year.
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The outlets said that compromised networks, linked by these routers, have made hacking attacks against government agencies, nonprofits, think tanks and defense contractors. The WSJ said that TP-Link routers are in about 65% of U.S. homes and small businesses.
TP-Link has opened a U.S.-headquartered division, and CNN said the company said: “As a U.S.-headquartered company, TP-Link Systems Inc.’s security practices are fully in line with industry security standards in the U.S."
House Select Committee on China leadership sent a letter to Commerce in August requesting an investigation of TP-Link under the information and communication technology services executive order (see 2408150026).