U.S. Congressional Committee Recommends Ditching China-Made Routers
A U.S. congressional committee urges Americans to discard Chinese-made TP-Link routers over cybersecurity concerns, suggesting they pose a risk for Chinese hacking. Cybersecurity experts advocate for caution and proactive measures, including potential bans and private sector engagement to combat vulnerabilities amidst escalating threats.
A recent U.S. congressional committee has urged citizens to dispose of Chinese-made wireless routers, particularly those from TP-Link, citing security risks that could allow Chinese access to critical U.S. infrastructure. The House of Representatives Select Committee on China has requested that the Commerce Department investigate TP-Link’s operations; the company is recognized as the leading international seller of WiFi routers according to IDC.
Authorities may implement a ban on the sale of TP-Link routers, amidst concerns expressed by cybersecurity expert Rob Joyce during a committee hearing. He warned that these devices increase vulnerability to hacker intrusions, which could then be leveraged against U.S. critical infrastructure. Joyce emphasized, “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.”.
In response, TP-Link asserts that the accusations lack any credible evidence connecting them to the Chinese government, stating, “No government has access to or control over the design and production of our routers.” TP-Link officials clarified that they have separated from their previous affiliate in China and now produce routers in Vietnam.
During the hearing, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized the use of TP-Link devices, stating, “Don’t use this. I don’t have one at home either. It’s not a good idea.” He urged for proactive measures against Chinese cyber threats, mentioning that in 2023, CISA identified vulnerabilities in TP-Link routers that could be exploited for remote code execution.
Krishnamoorthi proposed considering private sector involvement in offensive cyber operations against potential hackers, suggesting, “I think that we should also consider potentially enlisting private sector actors to hack back at the hackers.” This illustrates a growing concern among U.S. legislators regarding the balance of cyber capabilities between the U.S. and China.
The call from the U.S. congressional committee to abandon Chinese-made routers stems from significant security concerns, highlighting the potential risk these devices pose to national infrastructure. The dialogue surrounding cybersecurity emphasizes the urgent need for precautionary measures, including potential legislative actions against TP-Link and similar products. In response to these threats, the engagement of both public and private sectors may be essential for fortifying U.S. cyber defenses against adversaries.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
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