Could the USA enforce a ban on yet another Chinese company? We are talking about TP-Link, a pivotal Chinese technology player. As a staple in American households and small businesses, TP-Link routers are under rigorous scrutiny by the US government due to security concerns.
With approximately 65% market share in the American router scene, TP-Link is under federal scrutiny for device vulnerabilities potentially exploited by foreign entities to execute cyberattacks.
TP-Link stands out as a leading router brand on Amazon. This month, the AX21 model emerged as the highest-selling device in the American market, claiming its place as the best-seller in Amazon's computer router category. The AX1800 router follows closely in second place — with six TP-Link routers listed among the top ten bestsellers.
The Department of Commerce, Defense, and Justice, among several federal agencies, have launched investigations against TP-Link. Recent reports suggest vulnerabilities in TP-Link devices have been exploited by Chinese hackers to perform cyber attacks.
Source: aajtak
According to Microsoft's latest report, compromised TP-Link devices have been linked with ransomware operations, raising questions about the company’s involvement in cyberattacks. Further to cybersecurity concerns, the US Justice Department is examining the company's pricing tactics.
Investigations aim to ascertain whether the company is selling products below production cost, thereby violating US antitrust laws. Complaints against TP-Link include alleged negligence in addressing product vulnerabilities, prompting these thorough inquiries.