US weighs ban on Chinese-made routers amid cyberattack concerns

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The US is considering a ban on Chinese-made routers manufactured by TP-Link, citing concerns over potential cyberattacks.

According to The Wall Street Journal, TP-Link routers account for approximately 65% of the US market for home and small business routers.

Experts estimate that two-thirds of home internet users rely on TP-Link routers, which are also the top choice on Amazon.

Tech experts warn that TP-Link routers are vulnerable to Chinese cyberattacks. “It’s constantly vulnerable to Chinese cyberattack,” said Robin Cole, president of The Rite Group. “When I think about two-thirds of everyone being vulnerable to attack, there’s never been any cyber threat on this scale ever.”

Cole advises TP-Link router users to replace their devices as soon as possible, citing concerns over the reliability of potential software updates. “Those devices may be corrected with a software update, maybe, but the Chinese are going to write the update. Are you going to trust it?”