TP-Link Routers Under Investigation | Allconnect

Earlier this year, Americans were urged to remove Chinese-made routers, like TP-Link, from their homes, with U.S.officials claiming they pose a threat to national security.This isn’t the first time the Chinese-founded tech company has been called out by U.S.

lawmakers.The U.S.House of Representatives Select Committee on China has been pushing for a ban on the routers for months, and the U.S.

Departments of Defense (DOD), Commerce and Justice (DOJ) have already launched investigations into the company.Rob Joyce, former director of cybersecurity at the National Security Agency (NSA), told the committee that TP-Link devices exposed individuals to cyber intrusion that hackers can use to attack critical U.S.infrastructure.

“We need to all take action and replace those devices so they don’t become the tools that are used in the attacks on the U.S.,” Joyce said.TP-Link has been vocal in refuting these allegations, issuing a press release on the day of the hearing to “set the record straight.” “Witnesses at the hearing didn’t present a shred of evidence that TP-Link is linked to the Chinese government and we are not,” said Jeff Barney, president of TP-Link Systems Inc.TP-Link ensures consumers that its operations are owned and controlled by its U.S.

headquarters in Irvine, California.The press release also states that TP-Link has “split and no longer has any affiliations” with TP-Link China, which serves the mainland Chinese market.“Any claims suggesting our products pose a unique risk to U.S.

national security are baseless and without merit.We are fully confident in our long-term position in the U.S.market.” Jeff Barney TP-Link president FBI urges customers to update equipment to stay secure Not long after the hearing, the FBI issued a security warning encouraging owners of old Wi-Fi routers to replace their equipment since these older routers are more susceptible to cyberattacks.

According to the warning, “end-of-life” routers (mainly those made before 2010) are no longer sold by their manufacturers and, therefore, no longer receive software updates or security patches, which are updates that directly address a specific vulnerability.Without regular software updates to ensure security, these routers are extremely vulnerable to cyberattackers, who can access the equipment remotely and install malware.  “Chinese cyber actors are also among those who have taken advantage of known vulnerabilities in end of life routers…to establish botnets used to conceal hacking into US critical infrastructures,” the FBI said in its FLASH advisory.So, what’s next for TP-Link? There is no ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the U.S.

right now, but the company is also currently under multiple investigations, one of which concerns the violation of antitrust laws.  TP-Link is one of the most popular router brands available, mainly due to its affordable prices.   The DOJ’s investigation aims to determine if TP-Link is selling its products below cost to eliminate competition and monopolize the router market.If this proves true, it could result in a ban on TP-Link routers regardless of the concern over security risks.Read more about the investigations into TP-Link.

What if I rent a TP-Link router from my ISP? If your internet service provider (ISP) supplies you with a TP-Link router to rent for a monthly fee, then it’s important to keep an eye out for updates about this situation.If TP-Link routers do get banned, your ISP will likely contact you with next steps to get you set up with new equipment.In the meantime, it’s always a good idea to ensure your router’s security is up to snuff.

Enable your router’s security features, like firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.You should also update your login credentials and router firmware.If you’d rather play it safe and your provider allows you to use your own equipment, you can buy your own router as long as it’s compatible with your service.

Read more about securing your network and how to prevent router hacking.See Allconnect’s News hub for more broadband guides and information.Written by: Camryn Smith As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet services and broadband technology through her helpful content.

Using her expertise in the broadband space, Camryn edu… Read more Edited by: Anine Sus Editor I Read bio What to read next Read more Featured TP-Link internet routers might get banned in the U.S.Camryn Smith — 3 min read Featured 30% of Americans say their internet is too slow.Here’s how to fix it Joe Supan — 4 min read Featured Best budget routers of 2024 Robin Layton — 4 min read Latest Thursday, June 5, 2025 Calls for a ban on TP-Link routers renewed Camryn Smith — 3 min read Thursday, June 5, 2025 What does AT&T’s purchase of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber mean for you? Lisa Iscrupe — 4 min read Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Internet costs about $76 per month Camryn Smith — 10 min read