Popular TP-Link routers could be banned after risks exposed

An important national security debate is unfolding that affects more than government networks. Touch your home, your devices, and the Wi-Fi your family uses every day. The Commerce Department proposed blocking new sales of TP-Link products after a months-long review of the company’s ties to China, citing a growing security risk to TP-Link.

Multiple agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security and War, supported that proposal. They believe the company’s connections could expose American networks to foreign influence.

Security experts warn that foreign-backed hackers have attacked home and office routers for years. These devices often act as silent stepping stones that help attackers delve deeper into sensitive systems. When compromised, they can expose everything connected to them, including computers, smart home equipment, military devices used on base, and more.

This potential ban would be one of the biggest consumer technology actions in US history. It comes as lawmakers raise new alarms about Chinese-made cameras, routers and connected home products being sold in military bags and in homes across the country.

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Why military families are even more vulnerable

Lawmakers from both parties say military households face additional risk. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who leads a bipartisan group of 23 lawmakers, warns that TP-Link cameras and networking devices sold at Army, Navy and Air Force exchange sites could expose sensitive images from base housing and dormitories. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, echoed that concern, saying these devices could act as a backdoor for Chinese intelligence to gather information on service members and their families. Even as the products appear out of stock, officials worry they will remain popular in military communities.

These lawmakers say Chinese laws could force companies to share data or push hidden software changes that weaken U.S. networks. They argue that this creates a real risk for homes on or near military installations. While TP-Link disputes all allegations and claims it stores US data within the United States, lawmakers want a deeper investigation.

“China will use any method to infiltrate us and we must ensure that they cannot access our territory or our military bases,” Ernst said. “High-tech security cameras that send video and audio directly to Beijing must be treated as the serious threat they are. We have seen this China playbook before, with Huawei Technologies, and we need the Trump administration to investigate and determine whether TP-Link is a Trojan horse that compromises our national security.”

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How Congress is responding to TP-Link security risks

Ernst is pushing the Commerce Department to finish its investigation by Nov. 30. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, says TP-Link could give the Chinese government access to U.S. networks and wants faster action. Their concerns reflect past decisions involving Huawei and Kaspersky, which lost access to the US market due to national security risks.

Congressional leaders say smart home devices made abroad and sold on military bases should face strict scrutiny. They see routers, cameras and other connected home equipment as critical targets in an era when cyber threats continue to grow.

We reached out to TP-Link Systems Inc. and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with the following statement:

“TP-Link Systems Inc. (TP-Link), an American company based in California, refutes the claims in this letter. This letter repeats false and misleading media reports and attacks that have been completely debunked.”

“TP-Link strongly opposes any accusation that it is linked to the Chinese Communist Party, dependent on the Chinese government or subject to interference under Chinese national security laws,” the TP-Link spokesperson said. “The company is not controlled by any government, domestic or foreign. TP-Link has been separated from and has no affiliation with China-based TP-LINK Technologies Co. Ltd., which is independently owned and operated.

“This letter has nothing to do with security and everything to do with a competitor attempting to remove TP-Link Systems products from the market. The ‘open source information’ members are referencing is actually a fabricated echo chamber of false and misleading attacks that the media has parroted over the past year. Instead of engaging directly with TP-Link Systems, these members essentially pressed ‘copy and paste’ on unsubstantiated claims about our American company.

“Policymakers have not contacted TP-Link to discuss the alleged concerns, but if we were to meet with them, they would know that TP-Link has located its core security functions and data infrastructure in the United States. US user data is securely stored on Amazon Web Services infrastructure in Virginia, under the full control of the company’s US operations.

“TP-Link Systems currently has a very small share of the US security camera market, representing approximately 3% of the consumer market segment according to Circana data. The company has virtually no commercial presence in the business segment. Additionally, TP-Link Systems’ router market share in the US has been incorrectly reported to be much higher than it actually is. Recent market research by Dell’Oro Group, Inc., found that TP-Link Systems’ market share TP-Link Systems’ residential Wi-Fi router sales in North America are down 10%.

“TP-Link does not allow foreign surveillance of American networks or users. The company’s operations are designed to prevent potential attempts to subvert its business through outside influence. TP-Link’s significant security investments cover its entire product portfolio, including security cameras and routers.

“TP-Link continually monitors its products and services and takes timely and appropriate measures to address vulnerabilities of which it is aware. TP-Link has not identified any reliable information about new vulnerabilities in its products in connection with this letter.”

FBI warns about hackers exploiting outdated routers. CHECK YOURS NOW

Steps to protect yourself from this growing threat

Even as the debate rages on, you can take simple steps to protect your home. These simple moves help defend against threats linked to any brand of router.

1) Check your router and update it

Look at the marking on your router. Then update the firmware via the official app or web panel. If your device is several years old or no longer supported, replace it. Check out our article on the best routers for the best security on Cyberguy.com.

2) Change your administrator and Wi-Fi passwords

Default passwords are dangerous. Create strong, unique passwords for both your Wi-Fi and the router’s admin panel. Consider using a password manager, which stores and generates complex passwords securely, reducing the risk of password reuse.

Next, check to see if your email has been exposed in previous breaches. Our #1 password manager pick (see Cyberguy.com) includes a built-in breach scanner that checks to see if your email address or passwords have appeared in known breaches. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and protect those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 atCyberguy.com

3) Use strong antivirus protection on all devices

Threats like this continue to increase. Install strong real-time antivirus protection on every computer, phone, and tablet in your home. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have powerful antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

4) Disable any of these features that you don’t need

Disable remote access, WPS, and extra features you never use. These configurations can open doors for attackers.

5) Place smart home devices on a guest network

Keep laptops and phones on your main network. Place cameras, outlets, TVs, and IoT devices on a separate guest network so they can’t access your sensitive devices.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Do you think your devices and data are really protected? Take this quick quiz to see where you stand digitally. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing well and what you need to improve. Take my quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

The debate around TP-Link shows how something as routine as a home router can become part of a broader security conversation. plya. Whether the government issues a ban or not, this moment is a stark reminder that cybersecurity begins at home. Small steps make a significant difference in how resistant your devices are to foreign-backed hacking groups.

Should the government ban router brands linked to foreign influence or should consumers decide for themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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