TP-Link, a dominant player in the US Wi-Fi router market, faces potential sales bans following investigations by the Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments. The probes stem from concerns over the company’s ties to China and potential national security risks, rather than specific, publicly known security flaws in its products. While TP-Link’s market share has grown significantly in recent years, the exact figures are disputed. The core issue, according to cybersecurity experts, lies not in significantly weaker security in TP-Link routers compared to competitors, but in the inherent risks posed by the structure of Chinese corporations and their potential susceptibility to influence or control by the Chinese government. This echoes previous concerns raised about other Chinese tech companies, such as Huawei.
TP-Link, founded in China, recently moved its headquarters to California, emphasizing its US-owned international supply chain and manufacturing operations largely based in Vietnam. However, the US government continues to view TP-Link as a Chinese entity, citing potential vulnerabilities and the company’s obligation to comply with Chinese law. These concerns are amplified by the Chinese government’s alleged history of utilizing home routers for cyberattacks. TP-Link maintains that there is no evidence suggesting their products are more vulnerable than those of other brands, and points to a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) database of known vulnerabilities, where TP-Link has fewer entries than some competitors.
The potential ban aligns with a broader trend in Washington of growing bipartisan concern regarding Chinese involvement in US telecommunications infrastructure. This concern was heightened by the recent “Salt Typhoon” cyberattack, where Chinese hackers reportedly infiltrated major US internet providers. While TP-Link was not implicated in this specific incident, the attack underscores the prevailing apprehension about Chinese cyber threats. Several cybersecurity experts believe that the investigations into TP-Link might be based on classified intelligence, suggesting potential undisclosed vulnerabilities, similar to the situation with Huawei, which faced a ban in 2019 due to national security concerns.
Experts agree that while TP-Link routers, like all routers, have security flaws, it remains unclear whether the government has discovered a specific vulnerability warranting a ban. The use of TP-Link routers by various US government agencies, from NASA to the DEA, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The focus on TP-Link’s Chinese origins raises questions about the potential for government-mandated backdoors or other vulnerabilities, though no concrete evidence of such has been publicly revealed.
The known security flaws in TP-Link routers are not exclusive to the brand. Cybersecurity researchers often find vulnerabilities in devices from various manufacturers. The CISA’s list of known exploited vulnerabilities, while helpful, might not fully capture the extent of the problem, as virtually every telecommunications device has at least one vulnerability listed. While there have been past cybersecurity incidents involving TP-Link routers, including a password spraying attack linked to nation-state activity and a firmware implant attributed to a Chinese hacking group, experts emphasize that these types of attacks often exploit systemic vulnerabilities rather than targeting TP-Link specifically.
While there are inherent risks associated with using any router, including those from TP-Link, the average user’s risk of being directly targeted is relatively low. However, the possibility of becoming collateral damage in a larger attack campaign exists. Users of TP-Link routers, or any router for that matter, should prioritize basic security practices such as keeping firmware updated, using strong and unique passwords, and considering a VPN for added protection. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of compromise, regardless of the router brand.
