Router manufacturer TP-Link is in danger of being blacklisted by the U.S. government. The routers pose a threat to national security because they are too vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Are TP-Link’s days numbered in the United States? According to the Wall Street Journal, several U.S. government agencies are currently conducting an investigation into the security of the Chinese brand’s routers. A ban on the sale of the routers is a possible next step.
Vulnerable to cyber attacks
Concerns about the security of TP Link routers are not entirely off the mark. Microsoft uncovered that routers from the brand were used for years by Chinese hackers to attack Azure users. That TP-Link itself is from China, headquartered in Shenzen, will not help the company in this matter.
The risks need not always be so extreme. U.S. authorities accuse TP-Link of “routinely providing routers with security vulnerabilities” to customers, according to Wall Street Journal sources. As the straw that breaks the camel’s back, TP-Link allegedly does not vigorously address those leaks and does not open itself up to dialogue with security researchers.
TP-Link denies those allegations. In a response to the Wall Street Journal, the company says it does proactively look for possible leaks in its products. “We welcome any opportunity to work with the U.S. government to demonstrate our ongoing commitment,” said the confident spokesperson.
Huawei after it?
A ban could possibly come soon. The decision on TP-Link’s fate lies with Donald Trump after his inauguration. Trump has not shied away from banning Chinese companies in the past. Parallels to the Huawei saga of five years ago are quick to draw.
TP-Link is a major player in the networking industry. The Chinese company is said to hold about 65 percent of the U.S. consumer and SME router market. Globally, TP-Link’s market share is about 20 percent. Whether any U.S. ban will also affect the company in Europe remains to be seen.