The Commerce Department proposes to ban TP-Link due to security risks in China

There is a major debate about national security unfolding right now, affecting more than just government networks. It touches your home, your devices, and the Wi-Fi network your family uses every day. The Commerce Department proposed banning new sales of TP-Link products after a months-long review of the company’s ties with China, citing TP-Link’s growing security risks.

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

Security experts warn that foreign-backed hackers have been targeting home and office routers for years. These devices often serve as a silent stepping stone that helps attackers delve deeper into sensitive systems. When hacked, it can expose everything connected to it, including computers, smart home equipment, military devices used at the base, and more.

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

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Why military families are more at risk

Lawmakers from both parties say military families face additional risks. 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 reveal sensitive footage from base housing and dorms. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) echoed that concern, saying these devices could serve as a backdoor for Chinese intelligence to collect information on service members and their families. Even when products go out of stock, officials worry they remain popular in military communities.

These lawmakers say Chinese laws could force companies to share data or push hidden software changes that weaken American networks. They argue that this creates a real risk to families on or near military installations. While TP-Link disputes all allegations and says it stores US data inside America, lawmakers want a deeper investigation.

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

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How Congress is responding to TP-Link’s security risks

Senator Ernst is pressing the Commerce Department to finish its investigation by November 30. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, says TP-Link could give the Chinese government access to US networks and wants faster action. Their concerns reflect previous decisions regarding Huawei and Kaspersky, which lost access to the US market due to national security risks.

Congressional leaders say foreign-made smart home devices sold at military bases should be subject to strict scrutiny. They view routers, cameras and other connected home equipment as critical targets as 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), a US company headquartered in California, refutes the claims made in this letter. This letter repeats false and misleading media reports and attacks that have been completely debunked.

TP-Link strongly disputes any claim that it is associated with the Chinese Communist Party, dependent on the Chinese government, or subject to interference under Chinese national security laws. The Company is not controlled by any government, foreign or domestic. TP-Link has been spun off from TP-LINK Technologies Co., Ltd. Ltd, which is based in China, has no relation to it, and is separately owned and operated.

This message has nothing to do with security, but rather a competitor trying to remove TP-Link Systems products from the market. The “open source information” that members refer to is actually an artificial echo chamber of the false and misleading attacks that the media has parroted over the past year. Instead of engaging directly with TP-Link Systems, these members essentially “copy and paste” unsubstantiated claims about our US company.

TP-Link has not been contacted by policymakers to discuss the alleged concerns, but if we met with them, they would learn that TP-Link has located its core security functions and data infrastructure in the United States. US user data is stored securely on Amazon Web Services’ infrastructure in Virginia, under the complete control of the company’s US operations.

TP-Link Systems currently has a very small share of the U.S. security camera market, representing about 3% of the consumer market segment according to exit data from Circana. The company has almost no business presence in the enterprise segment. In addition, TP-Link Systems’ router market share in the United States has been inaccurately reported as being much higher than it actually is. Recent market research conducted by Dell’Oro Group, Inc. found… TP-Link Systems’ market share of residential Wi-Fi router sales in North America is less than 10%.

TP-Link does not enable foreign surveillance of US networks or users. The company’s operations are designed to prevent potential attempts to subvert its business by 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 appropriate and timely action to address vulnerabilities of which it becomes aware. TP-Link has not identified any reliable information regarding new vulnerabilities in its products in connection with this message.”

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Steps to protect yourself from this growing threat

Even as the debate continues, you can take simple steps to secure your home. These easy moves help defend against threats associated with any router brand.

1) Check and update your router

Look at the brand on your router. Then update the firmware through the official app or web dashboard. 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 the Wi-Fi password and admin password

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

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

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

3) Use strong antivirus protection on every device

Such threats continue to grow. Install powerful, instant virus 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 install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

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

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

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

5) Place smart home devices on the guest network

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

Take my quiz: How secure is your online security?

Do you think your devices and data are really protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get personalized analysis of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my test here: Cyberguy.com.

Key takeaways for Kurt

The controversy surrounding TP-Link shows how something as routine as a home router can become part of a broader security conversation. Whether the government issues a ban or not, this moment is a clear reminder that cybersecurity starts at home. Small steps make a meaningful difference in how well your devices stand up 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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