In a significant move to protect US national security, US lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation into Chinese-made Wi-Fi routers that are widely used across the country. John Moolenaar, a member of the US Congress, and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi have both raised alarms about potential risks posed by these routers, particularly those manufactured by TP-Link, a Chinese technology company.
In a letter to the US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, the lawmakers expressed their concerns about the vulnerability of these Chinese Wi-Fi routers to hacking by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The letter highlighted that TP-Link products are a dominant force in the US Wi-Fi router market and could pose a serious security threat to the country.
The lawmakers urged the Department of Commerce to use its authority over information and communication technology services (ICTS) to launch a comprehensive investigation into TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. They stressed that the investigation should determine whether TP-Link poses a national security risk and take appropriate measures to address any identified threats.
TP-Link is known for its Wi-Fi routers and related devices, which have gained a substantial market share in the US. The company’s products are not only popular among regular consumers but are also used on US military bases, making the potential risks even more concerning.
The letter pointed out that many cybersecurity experts and analysts have already raised concerns about the security vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers.
A former Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cited evidence from US cybersecurity experts, who have documented significant flaws in TP-Link products that could be exploited by hackers.
The lawmakers also highlighted a troubling aspect of China’s strict data protection laws, which require companies like TP-Link to cooperate with the Chinese government. This means that TP-Link could be forced to hand over data or assist in cyber activities that could compromise US security.
In addition, the letter emphasized the risk of TP-Link routers being used in cyberattacks within the US. FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously warned about the dangers of hacking sponsored by the Chinese government, with groups like Volt Typhoon posing a major threat. The Department of Justice has already conducted operations to remove malware from US routers, some of which may have been linked to Chinese entities.
Given the Chinese government’s history of sponsoring cyberattacks and the widespread use of Chinese-made routers in the US, lawmakers are pressing for a prompt and thorough investigation. They believe that the Department of Commerce must evaluate the threat posed by routers made by TP-Link and other Chinese companies and take decisive action to protect the nation from this serious security concern.
This call for an investigation reflects growing fears that China could use its influence over technology companies to conduct espionage or sabotage critical infrastructure in the US. As tensions between the US and China continue to rise, the potential for cyber threats from Chinese technology firms has become a matter of urgent national interest.
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