U.S. investigates TP-Link router for potential Chinese cyber threats
- Concerns about cybersecurity risks linked to TP-Link have led to investigations by multiple U.S. federal agencies.
- The router manufacturer claims to have lower vulnerability rates than major competitors, despite accusations of Chinese interference.
- The potential ban on TP-Link routers could have significant implications for U.S. consumers and international trade relations.
In the United States, cybersecurity risks related to routers manufactured by TP-Link Technology Co. have prompted an investigation by various federal agencies. TP-Link, which claims to operate from a California headquarters while having its origins in China, has found itself under scrutiny due to concerns over potential Chinese interference and cyberattacks that may originate from its devices. Lawmakers such as Republican John Moolenaar and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi have called for further investigations into the router's security risks since August, as evidence has emerged that hackers targeted a range of Western organizations including government entities and defense suppliers using TP-Link networks. The router dominates the U.S. market, accounting for approximately 65 percent of sales and being widely used by both homeowners and government agencies alike. Despite these allegations, TP-Link asserts that their security outcomes are comparable to those of other major manufacturers, arguing that their rate of vulnerabilities per product is significantly lower than those of competitors. In response to ongoing tensions, the Biden administration is also contemplating tariffs on Chinese products and has previously banned the use of TikTok in the U.S. if its parent company, ByteDance, does not divest by a set date. The implications of these investigations and potential bans could reverberate through both consumer markets and U.S.-China relations, highlighting the delicate balance between national security and international commerce.