Branded versions of TP-Link routers are supplied to US customers by more than 300 ISPs, making them the most widely used Wi-Fi routers in the country, found in millions of US homes.
That’s why it caused serious concern when security researchers at Microsoft discovered that a hacking group based in China was using vulnerabilities in devices to carry out cyber attacks in the US. It was widely expected that the sale of routers in the US would be banned, but politics apparently intervened. However, the battle is not over yet…
TP-Link router safety notice
TP-Link routers represent approximately 65% of the US market. Many people don’t even realize they have one in their home because the badged versions generally carry the ISP’s branding.
Security researchers have discovered that they are being used by a hacking entity based in China. It was speculated that the entity was operating on behalf of the Chinese government.
A Microsoft analysis published in October found that a Chinese hacking entity operated a large network of compromised network devices, mostly including thousands of TP-Link routers. The network has been used by many Chinese actors to launch cyber attacks. These actors went after Western targets including think tanks, government organizations, NGOs, and Defense Department contractors.
It was also suggested at the time that the devices were being sold at a loss, specifically to get them into American households.
After three separate investigations were launched by the Departments of Commerce, Defense and Justice, it was widely expected that the devices would be banned from sale in the US. However, the White House reportedly revealed the plan ahead of a summit between Trump and China’s Xi Jinping.
Texas continues to fight
While the federal government may not take action at this point, Texas continues to fight Engadget news.
Texas is suing Wi-Fi router maker TP-Link for falsely promoting the security of its products and allowing Chinese hacking groups to access Americans’ devices, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced. Paxton originally started dealing with TP-Link in October 2025. Texas Governor Greg Abbott later banned state employees from using TP-Link products in January of that year.
TP-Link denies these claims, saying the company is now US-owned and its products are assembled in Vietnam. But Texas claims that because the components are made in China, suppliers must comply with requests from Chinese intelligence agencies to install firmware that allows government access.
9to5Mac’s Take
Personally, I would not use a TP-Link router. Even if your ISP supplies you with one, you don’t have to use it and can replace it with a router of your choice, which will usually have better specs as well.
FTC: We use automatic income earning affiliate links. More.
