U.S. authorities are considering a ban on China’s TP-Link Technology Co over potential national security concerns after its home internet routers were linked to cyberattacks, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
In August two U.S. lawmakers urged the Biden administration to probe the Chinese
router-manufacturer and its affiliates over fears their Wi-Fi routers could be used in cyber
attacks against the U.S., according to a letter seen by Reuters.
The Commerce, Defense and Justice departments have opened separate probes into the company, with authorities targeting a ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the U.S. as early as next year, the report said.
An office of the Commerce Department has even subpoenaed the company while the Defense Department launched its investigation into Chinese-manufactured routers earlier this year, the newspaper reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Shares of Netgear, a San Jose-based home networking company and a TP-Link rival,
jumped more than 12% on Wednesday following the report.
Last year, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency said TP-Link routers had a
vulnerability that could be exploited to execute remote code. The fact that Wi-Fi routers made by TP-Link are used in millions of American homes has added to the concern.
It is estimated to hold a 65% share of the U.S. market for home and small business routers. The nearest rivals are Netgear and F5. Shares of the former rose as word got around about the suspicions surrounding TP-Link.
The U.S. Commerce, Justice, Defense departments and TP-Link did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The move could be a result of mounting concerns that Beijing could exploit Chinese-origin
routers and other equipment in cyber attacks on American governments and businesses.
The U.S., its allies and Microsoft last year disclosed a Chinese government-linked
hacking campaign dubbed Volt Typhoon. By taking control of privately owned routers, the
attackers sought to hide subsequent attacks on American critical infrastructure.
With Reuters inputs
