Most Popular Internet Routers In The US May Be Banned Due To National Security Risks
JAKARTA - TP-Link brand home internet router, which is the top choice in the United States with a market share of 65%, faces a possible ban on sales in the country. The ban is related to concerns that the device could pose a threat to national security.
Three US government agencies, namely the Department of Commerce, Defense and Justice, have opened an investigation into TP-Link. This router is also widely used by more than 300 internet service providers (ISP) in the US.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), TP-Link routers are suspected of often having security loopholes that are not fixed by the company. In fact, these devices have been used in sensitive institutions such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Microsoft's analysis last October found that hackers from China were using a large network of compromised TP-Link devices as botnets. The network is used to launch cyberattacks on targets in the West, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and suppliers of the Department of Defense.
The report reinforces the Justice Department's conjecture that TP-Link routers are sold at prices below production costs. This allegation is based on federal law that prohibits monopoly practices through cheap sales strategies to dominate the market.
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However, a TP-Link spokesman denied the claim and stated that the company complies with US law, including antitrust laws.
If the investigation finds evidence of a violation, TP-Link could be banned from the US market next year. In addition, US authorities continue to evaluate the risk of using network devices from China in critical sectors to protect national security.
Sales of devices at low prices so far are considered more important than considering security factors, especially by the ISP who choose the TP-Link router because of its affordable price. The next step will be determined based on the results of the investigations of the three government institutions.