Call for investigation of TP-Link amid cybersecurity fears

Fears are being raised in the US that Wi-Fi routers made by TP-Link could be used in cyber attacks.

Two US lawmakers have called on the Biden Administration to investigate Chinese company TP-Link Technology Co. over concerns that its Wi-Fi routers could pose a national security risk. The request was made in a letter to the Commerce Department, highlighting the potential for cyber attacks using vulnerabilities in TP-Link firmware. The company, a global leader in Wi-Fi router sales, has not yet responded to the inquiry.

Concerns were raised after reports surfaced that TP-Link routers were exploited in cyber attacks targeting government officials in Europe. The lawmakers expressed fears that similar attacks could be carried out against US infrastructure. They have urged the Commerce Department to assess the threat posed by Chinese-affiliated routers — particularly those manufactured by TP-Link, given its market dominance.

TP-Link, founded in China in 1996, has been linked to cybersecurity concerns before. Last year, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency flagged vulnerabilities in the company’s routers that could be used for remote attacks. Around the same time, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group was found to have targeted European officials using malicious implants in TP-Link routers.

The Commerce Department has the authority to impose bans or restrictions on technology transactions with companies from nations considered adversarial to US interests, including China. The investigation could lead to new measures aimed at preventing potential security risks from Chinese-made equipment in critical US infrastructure.

Image credit: iStock.com/Duncan_Andison