Are chinese routers safe Jan 1, 2025 · An old wireless router can spell big trouble. Dec 19, 2024 · WASHINGTON – The US government has launched a national security investigation into TP-Link, the China-founded router maker whose equipment now dominates the American market and has been targeted Dec 20, 2024 · See all Buying Guides; Best Samsung phones; Best Android phones; Best smart rings; Best blood pressure watches; Best headphones for sleeping; Best robot vacuum mops I want to buy a wireless access point and it’s been a chore to find one that doesn’t require an app + account to make it usable then I find a tenda ap which is the perfect one for my application (tenda mx12) and then I realize tenda is a Chinese company and as Chinese companies have to give the Chinese government everything they know I’m Say that you have Device#1 connected to port 1 on the switch. At least one of the probes focuses on the potential cybersecurity May 16, 2023 · Check Point Research (CPR) exposes a malicious firmware implant for TP-Link routers which allowed attackers to gain full control of infected devices and access compromised networks while evading detection. Hackers can secretly install malware, and use the routers to launch cyberattacks on critical U. Several federal agencies, such as the Jan 28, 2013 · Chinese IT equipment is often cost-effective, but the U. They both just sent icmp packets to just the gateway (netgate for pfsense) and a shit load of dns requests to root dns servers. Feb 21, 2025 · They outlined concerns that Chinese state-sponsored hackers may be able to compromise TP-Link’s routers more easily than other brands and thereby infiltrate US systems, and that TP-Link is We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. “Because of this, we hope to see TP-link routers banned in the coming year, coupled with programs to replace existing Chinese routers with safe American alternatives,” the committee’s Dec 18, 2024 · U. every consumer-grade device is usually vulnerable after a year or two without updates. is considering banning the sale of TP-Link internet routers, which are made in China, over concerns the home devices pose a security risk, the Wall Street Journal reported. It is also the top choice on Amazon, and powers internet Aug 16, 2024 · TP-Link is a Chinese company and the world’s largest provider of Wi-Fi products, selling over 160 million products annually to more than 170 countries. I bought several Xiaomi Miwifi Minis, because they were dirt-cheap in Singapore (the lack of local type approval explains a lot), and the densely populated city-state is brimming with Wifi, meaning you need an access point in each and every room to get decent coverage. The American government is considering banning routers made Both lawmakers said TP-Link’s devices have an “unusual degree of vulnerabilities” and alleged the Chinese government of using the routers to “perpetrate extensive cyberattacks” in the U. Jan 27, 2025 · This story incorporates reporting from Forbes, MSN and MSN. Dec 19, 2024 · The move comes amid mounting concerns in Washington that Beijing could exploit Chinese-origin routers and other equipment in cyber attacks on American governments and businesses. Resize. Check the specs before buying. I don't wish an router, that is too limited, like x60 was. This place is a resource for any person, group or entity seeking to avoid Chinese products. , is no longer affiliated with TP-Link Technologies, the company founded in China in 1996. Although the attack was centered on TP-LINK routers, it is "indifferent to the model," which means that it can be applied to other routers. Dec 18, 2024 · The U. By the way depending where you life the access point of the router might be illegal due to the frequency regulations in your region. Also the routers don't have to be the same to be in the mesh. These routers are very Google/Bing Translate unfriendly These routers only have a Chinese UI. The main purpose of the malicious one, it seems, is to transfer information between the target of the attack and the control servers of the attacker, in a way that masks the attacker to the intended victim. The UI does not lend itself well to being redrawn and it looks a mess. The list of non-Chinese router makers seems quite short. is probing whether popular home internet routers sold by China’s TP-Link Technologies threaten national security and considering whether they should be banned, the Wall Street Journal See full list on techjunkie. While Sharma declined to comment on any geo-specific threat extended by router manufacturers, he said that at least the perception of state-sponsored attackers are something that many other cyber criminals hide behind in order to bypass cyber security researchers. S. May 17, 2023 · Malicious firmware turns unsuspecting home and small office routers into stealthy cyber conduits for Chinese state-sponsored hackers. So the opportunity exists, you just need to see how to do it right. Authorities say the Chinese-made if CCP wanted to access your home, it doesn't matter if you buy cheap chinese, TP-link or Netgear hardware. Dec 18, 2024 · The U. most outdated ISP-provided router/modem combinations are part of at least one botnet nowadays. I recorded initial boot-up with a tcp dump from a Taiwan made router on opnsense and pfsense with chinese qotom hardware. I don’t know a lot about cyber security but I’ve seen in the news that several countries including the U. Weighs Ban on Chinese-Made Router in Millions of American Homes. Concerns over Chinese involvement in 5G wireless networks stem from allegations that cellular network equipment sourced from vendors from the People's Republic of China may contain backdoors enabling surveillance by the Chinese government (as part of its intelligence activity internationally) and Chinese laws, such as the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China, which compel Dec 18, 2024 · U. If a major war kicked off, the rate of hacking might increase somewhat. Just google LTE router and pick a recognisable brand. government. since the first Trump administration imposed massive restrictions on Huawei Technologies. The Dec 20, 2024 · An investigation into TP-Link could see the company's routers banned in the US. This sub is simply a resource to help people source products not made in China. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Chinese company Other Chinese IT equipment manufacturers such as Huawei, ZTE and Hikvision have either been banned or their use discouraged in the U. K. I don't believe for a second that Cisco routers are completely safe. To the CNC router in Jinan (the mecca of CNC routers, fiber lasers, and other machines), there's a dark side, a positive side, and a big market waiting for CNC in the west. You just have to look. Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, etc. However there are plenty of good LTE routers, from reputable brands, that are manufactured in China. If you definitely don’t want ANYTHING from China; best get rid of almost all of your electronics too. infrastructure. Share. I haven’t tried Ai Mesh, but it is yet another useful capability of this router. Nov 23, 2020 · Chinese data retention laws force Chinese companies, or companies operating in China, to keep data on servers located inside the country – and to provide practically unrestricted access to that data to law enforcement. Also, if you're in Canada, Staples is selling a pair of 66Us for $249, but they are also selling individual 66Us for $99, because they are apparently morons. 3. This is due to their Jan 18, 2025 · The U. Dec 19, 2024 · The U. Dec 20, 2024 · The router maker TP-Link Systems, now based in Irvine, Calif. Dec 21, 2024 · At Tom's Guide, TP-Link routers are featured quite often on our best Wi-Fi routers lists from the best gaming routers and best mesh Wi-Fi systems to the best Wi-Fi 7 routers. The RT-AC55U (an older router) is not upgradable to mesh, but the RT-AC66U and up are. These days, you can find routers with security features like WPA3, firewall, parental controls, VPN compatibility, automatic updates, and regular scans. They are out there. The scrutiny of Chinese technology by the U. The company's emergence from China has also raised questions about whether the Chinese Feb 21, 2025 · Several government departments are investigating TP-Link routers over Chinese cyberattack fears, but the company denies links. and Canada. TP-Link routers now make up 65% A uthorities in the US are considering a ban on TP-Link internet routers over national security concerns due to their repeated links to Chinese cyberattacks. Concerns over Chinese involvement in 5G wireless networks stem from allegations that cellular network equipment sourced from vendors from the People's Republic of China may contain backdoors enabling surveillance by the Chinese government (as part of its intelligence activity internationally) and Chinese laws, such as the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China, which compel Dec 18, 2024 · Authorities in the US are considering a ban on TP-Link internet routers over national security concerns due to their repeated links to Chinese cyberattacks. market, are on the radar of the U. However in Edge the "Translate" option doesn't work. " But honestly, i saw CNC Router from china that runs much better than an Italian one. I’ve had numerous routers, and too often they have reliability issues - randomly disconnect, stall, need to be rebooted, etc. May 17, 2023 · A Chinese-sponsored group is leading a new, sophisticated cyber-attack against sensible European targets, and hackers are effectively covering their tracks by abusing infected routers belonging to The Chinese firm, whose products are popular among consumers and small businesses, currently has two security issues gracing the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list curated by the Dec 20, 2024 · An investigation into TP-Link could see the company's routers banned in the US. government agencies, including NASA, the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense, reportedly have already purchased routers by Chinese company TP-Link. The TP-Link routers Jan 28, 2025 · Even so, the US government appears to see TP-Link as a Chinese entity. Don't be naive. Between the daily scam texts to the odd plug-ins jumping out at you from your web browser, it seems like gliding smoothly and easily online is a novelty. Mar 20, 2025 · Despite a request for a US government investigation into Chinese-made TP-Link, evidence presented by a US House committee fails to support allegations they are a national security risk, May 16, 2023 · Researchers on Tuesday unveiled a major discovery—malicious firmware that can wrangle a wide range of residential and small office routers into a network that stealthily relays traffic to May 13, 2025 · So is it still safe to buy a TP-Link router? meaning its routers are at risk of getting banned. Dec 18, 2024 · An analysis from Microsoft published in October found that a Chinese hacking entity maintains a large network of compromised network devices mostly comprising thousands of TP-Link routers. Vulnerable to CCP Hacking & Data Harvesting Press Release from the US House of Representatives August 15, 2024 Simply put, which the US government does not do, some members of Congress think its a bad thing for us to be using Chinese routers. The most worrying aspect though is probably not the hardware - gl-inet is probably better than tp-link and others since the firmware is much less opaque. authorities are investigating whether a Chinese company whose popular home-internet routers have been linked to cyberattacks poses a national-security risk and are considering banning the Feb 2, 2024 · The FBI says the attacks target older routers with outdated security made by Cisco and NetGear. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide Chinese government spies may be hiding in your Cisco routers and using that access to steal intellectual property and other sensitive data, according to officials in Dec 18, 2024 · The Chinese-made TP-Link router used by Amazon, hundreds of ISPs, and 65% of the US market, is facing an investigation that could see it banned by the government. Believe it or not, China has actually built one of the world’s fastest networks, and as a result, your next router should have the ability to handle up to 1000Mbps speeds, often notated as 10/100/1000 (look for "千兆" in Chinese). Dec 19, 2024 · US officials are investigating potential national security risks tied to a telecom company founded in China whose internet routers are used by millions, multiple sources familiar with the matter I can build an server to do all those things without any worries, but I don't wish to waste the power required to do that, just because an faster router requires an extra an hidden payment for an simple report, claiming that would also provides an extra layer of security on those devices. government may soon ban TP-Link routers. I don’t care about: Gaming 4K streaming Google Echo / Amazon Alexa I do care about reliability and I wish to avoid Chinese manufacturers like Huawei, TP-Link, etc. is expanding beyond social media platforms like TikTok, moving towards household devices Dec 18, 2024 · Washington is investigating TP-Link, the most popular home internet router brand in the U. U. The Mar 29, 2023 · I’m looking for a reliable home office router. (For instance, each company operating in China needs to employ a "state representative" who often has input in their design decisions). I wold think that as long as they're selling routers, there's an incentive not to harm regular customers. We don't need Chinese bastions in every part of your infrastructure. You can build from suitable hardware but even the Chinese built 'mini-PC' style devices are able to use Open Source BIOSs and firmware such as Coreboot which is the same as APU devices from PC Engines. The router-manufacturer TP-Link, established in China, has roughly 65% of the U. Aug 19, 2024 · A pair of US lawmakers are calling on the Department of Commerce to investigate Wi-Fi router vendor TP-Link over concerns the Chinese government can secretly exploit the company’s products to May 16, 2023 · Similar examples include malware called ZuoRAT, which was discovered last year infecting a large number of routers made by Cisco, Netgear, Asus, and DrayTek. tech have found a new target: a popular home-internet router. Jul 6, 2020 · Chinese routers vs Chinese apps. In Chrome it works but not great. lawmakers raised alarms about the growing threat that Chinese-manufactured TP-Link Wi-Fi routers pose within the United States. The network has been used by numerous Chinese actors to launch cyberattacks. . CPR attributes the attacks to a Chinese state-sponsored APT group dubbed “Camaro Dragon”. have banned Huawei from building the 5G infrastructure in their respective countries because it could be passing information to the Chinese Most electronics are made in China, it is what it is. , its allies and Microsoft last year disclosed a Chinese government-linked hacking campaign dubbed Volt Typhoon. The need for security is more paramount than ever as many scams, viruses and other cyber-criminal activities have become a day-to-day occurrence. Even if Congress passes the ROUTERS Act, this is only the beginning of the effort to protect this country from Chinese digital espionage. I am the last one bashing against China but please just don't. It is also the top choice on Amazon, and powers internet Dec 18, 2024 · A ban on TP-Link routers would be the biggest extraction of Chinese telecom equipment from the U. Post finds questions about certain products, manufacturers or categories being made in China or not. The switch implant can construct network packets as it was Device#1 (IP/MAC address) and ship it to the router, and the router would be none the wiser of the origin. Nov 23, 2020 · Chinese routers sold by Walmart, Amazon and eBay have backdoors that are being exploited now Comments (0) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. May 1, 2025 · “When combined with the [Chinese] government’s common use of [home office] routers like TP-Link to perpetrate extensive cyberattacks in the United States, it becomes significantly alarming. Sources tell The Wall Street Journal that the Commerce, Defense, and Justice Departments are Jan 28, 2025 · Ater TikTok was handed a lifeline by President Donald Trump, lawmakers worried about Chinese influencer over U. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Dec 18, 2024 · In brief: TP-Link routers, one of the most popular brands of routers in the US and the dominant name in Amazon's best-sellers chart, could be banned in the US. Investigators at the Commerce, Defense Next, we added in a few criteria specific to China users, specifically Gigabit ports. Aug 16, 2024 · The congressmen, who lead the House Select Committee on China, cited the cyber activity by the Chinese APT group Volt Typhoon as a reason for concern around home and office routers. If you are worried about being spied on, don't surf the internet. 2. These actors have gone after Western targets including think tanks, government Apr 11, 2018 · Moolenaar, Krishnamoorthi Call for Investigation into Chinese Wi-Fi Routers in U. Listen The ISP sent me a HUAWEI 4G Router 3 Pro, but I’m wondering if it’s safe to use. It also asserts that its devices are safe for users. Sorry. Its latest Wi-Fi 7 router currently costs $108 on Amazon; routers with comparable specs cost around $218 from Asus, a Taiwanese tl;dr: When people want a cheap router and don't need it to do a lot, those of you who've had Tenda devices, would you recommend them to someone else or nah? Never heard of Tenda until recently, seems they only started doing international sales and distribution recently but have been making networking equipment domestically in China for a Most electronics are made in China, it is what it is. Mar 10, 2025 · A secure router gives you access to a ton of security features that protect your network against attacks and privacy compromises – especially if you have lots of devices connected. Firmware implant, dubbed 'Horse Shell,' discovered by Check Point Research, linked to notorious Chinese threat actor Mustang Panda. Side note My original question has nothing to do with quality or lack thereof. This includes even encrypted data, with the Chinese government requiring access to decryption keys. Just spend 30€ more and buy an router here. If you own one, it's time to start thinking of alternatives, and fortunately, there are plenty of options. Jan 26, 2025 · TP-Link routers, among Amazon best sellers and according to some estimates up to 65% of the U. government believes Chinese vendors are a threat to American interests. But retaining access to the Chinese market—which comprises 60 percent of global demand—incurs certain obligations to the Chinese government. They focus on whether TP-Link, a leading manufacturer of SOHO (small office/home office) routers, threatens national security due to its vulnerabilities and connections to the Chinese government. TP-Link routers are often considerably cheaper than competitors. The bureau announced this week that investigators took down "hundreds" of infected home and small business routers. The Chinese TP-Link mobile app is Jan 26, 2025 · "Because of this, we hope to see TP-link routers banned in the coming year, coupled with programs to replace existing Chinese routers with safe American alternatives. ” Dec 18, 2024 · Chinese wi-fi routers used in thousands of British homes are being investigated over US concerns that they are at risk of being hacked. Dec 18, 2024 · The investigation comes after a Microsoft report revealed in October that a botnet of hacked SOHO routers—tracked as Quad7, CovertNetwork-1658, or xlogin and operated by Chinese threat actors Sep 6, 2024 · In a recent move, U. market for routers for homes and small businesses. I'm sure geeks and spies from all countries know a thing or two about their backdoor. Dec 20, 2024 · “A shocking amount of cybersecurity breaches can be traced back to using the default login credentials set by the router manufacturer (or internet provider if you’re renting your equipment),” says CNET. Aug 15, 2024 · I'd also imagine my ISP supplied router is designed & made by some Chinese company. My chinese router had backfdoors and was disttributing chinese spam and viagra Which manufacturers can you trust that arent… Dec 18, 2024 · U. Mar 13, 2012 · Thanks guys. authorities are investigating whether a Chinese company whose popular home-internet routers have been linked to cyberattacks poses a national-security risk and are considering banning the After setting up a small, trivial honeypot that intercepts the traffic with the router, we immediately saw attempts from a Chinese IP to upload a malicious file containing the Mirai malware which was not made for the specific router, but rather just shows, that malicious attempts are being made on a mass scale, and considering the We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. There's another reason why you need to be wary of Chinese router brands. On top of Dec 18, 2024 · Concerns over Chinese-made routers came to the fore in October when Microsoft published a cybersecurity report that found that a network of hackers uses compromised devices manufactured by TP-Link. I want to buy a wireless access point and it’s been a chore to find one that doesn’t require an app + account to make it usable then I find a tenda ap which is the perfect one for my application (tenda mx12) and then I realize tenda is a Chinese company and as Chinese companies have to give the Chinese government everything they know I’m Say that you have Device#1 connected to port 1 on the switch. S Dec 18, 2024 · Multiple federal agencies are investigating Chinese router maker TP-Link Technologies Co. The incoming Trump administration could Dec 19, 2024 · The US government is investigating TP-Link, a Chinese company that supplies about 65% of routers for American homes and small businesses, amid concerns about national security risks. , the Wall Street Journal reported today. Microsoft warned on October 31 that hackers working for the Chinese government are using a botnet of thousands of routers, cameras, and other Dec 19, 2024 · US officials are investigating potential national security risks tied to a telecom company founded in China whose internet routers are used by millions, multiple sources familiar with the matter Mar 15, 2021 · You really should not trust any router devices and each individual client device should be secured with at least encrypted DNS, if not on-device VPN. Dec 18, 2024 · The US is considering banning TP-Link routers in the country because of possible security risks. " US-based Chinese Embassy rep Liu Pengyu argues the US is trying to "suppress Chinese companies" with its investigations and is using security concerns as an excuse. A hallmark of the group’s hacking campaign against U. “Most routers have an app that lets you update your login credentials, but you can also type your router’s IP address into a URL. and U. Authorities Feb 23, 2023 · As for if the firmware pings chinese servers, I have no idea on that, you need someone with deeper knowledge of the chinese firmware But do note that IIRC the Chinese models have lower power outputs on the wireless due to regulations, so do be aware of that We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Dec 18, 2024 · TP-Link is the bestselling router on Amazon—and has been linked to Chinese cyberattacks. the same is true for many wifi access points and cameras. Mar 20, 2025 · A US House committee on China’s request for a probe into an alleged security threat posed by routers made by Chinese Wi-Fi giant TP-Link Technologies is based on scant evidence and misleadingly Dec 23, 2024 · These popular routers have reportedly been shipped with security flaws linked to Chinese cyberattacks. There are great router/firewalls you can use from OpenSource such as PFSense, OPNSense and Untangle (which is not free though). Your mobile phones are more prone to spying than any router of any brand made in any country. Do you have any proof for US or EU backdoor? China has history with spying on western people by implanting spy chips in supermicro. 49 votes, 184 comments. Given that TP-Link is Chinese based, would there be similar security concerns with the use of their products? The router-manufacturer TP-Link, established in China, has roughly 65% of the U. Those seemed like toys compared to this. Aug 19, 2024 · The letter mentions that TP-link manufactures multiple Wi-Fi products, including routers, and hence, it is concerning, given the documented vulnerabilities found in its Wi-Fi routers. It is also the top choice on Amazon, and powers internet The TP-Link router has sparked probes into possible Chinese interference through cyberattacks. Dec 18, 2024 · Chinese hackers use botnet of TP-Link routers. Search for something such as "Wireless Router" "Made in X" where X is a country. targeting SOHO TP-Link routers, traced back to a Chinese state that has been deemed not safe for sale Nov 23, 2020 · The news outlet's senior information security researcher Mantas Sasnauskas and researchers James Clee and Roni Carta discovered suspicious backdoors in a Chinese-made Jetstream router which is Jan 26, 2025 · "Because of this, we hope to see TP-link routers banned in the coming year, coupled with programs to replace existing Chinese routers with safe American alternatives. authorities are considering a ban on China's TP-Link Technology Co over national security concerns after its internet routers were linked to cyber attacks, the Wall Street Journal reported on Come along as I explore how dangerous Chinese wireless routers actually are and whether you should give them a chance. Dec 19, 2024 · Parkinglotracer wrote: Thu Dec 19, 2024 11:08 am Alls I want for Christmas is a safe internet connection … From todays front page of the Wall Street Journal U. com Personally I avoid TP-Link because I don't trust Chinese companies, or rather, their independence from the Chinese government. Its Wi-Fi routers are manufactured in China, which has led the two Congressmen to fear that state-sponsored hackers may be able to compromise the routers and infiltrate US systems. targeting SOHO TP-Link routers, traced back to a Chinese state-sponsored that has been deemed not safe for Apr 28, 2025 · National security agencies, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the departments of Justice and Homeland Security, have issued advisories and reports on various threats posed by router and modem vulnerabilities, and how Chinese-sponsored hackers have leveraged those vulnerabilities to launch attacks. ” Mar 6, 2024 · The company has been able to tap into consumer acceptance of home routers, a burgeoning market that is expected to approach $28 billion worldwide by 2028. Your post looks like Chinese or Russian misinformation. Keep your identity and personal data safe with expert-vetted ID theft protection services. May 31, 2024 · The bad news is that U. Huawei routers work fine with Google Translate. authorities are investigating whether a Chinese company whose popular home-internet routers have been linked to cyberattacks poses a national- security risk and are considering banning the devices. Dec 23, 2024 · These popular routers have reportedly been shipped with security flaws linked to Chinese cyberattacks. The traffic passes out to a router connected on port 12. By taking control of privately owned routers, the attackers sought to hide Jan 28, 2025 · “Because of this, we hope to see TP-link routers banned in the coming year, coupled with programs to replace existing Chinese routers with safe American alternatives,” the committee’s Chinese government spies may be hiding in your Cisco routers and using that access to steal intellectual property and other sensitive data, according to officials in Dec 18, 2024 · The Chinese-made TP-Link router used by Amazon, hundreds of ISPs, and 65% of the US market, is facing an investigation that could see it banned by the government. Earlier this year, researchers There are a lot more features to this router, which are easily accessed from the app which appears extremely robust compared to the anemic apps I used with the Chinese routers. TP-Link has been subpoenaed by the U. critical infrastructure is the infiltration of home routers for the purpose of launching other attacks. In August, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party urged an investigation into the company. Joel Snyder examines the Huawei security risks and offers points to consider before purchasing hardware from China. Protectli offers bios updates and open source bios, Chinese boxes are closed source and cannot be audited. 0:00 Introduction0:28 A brief history o Jul 13, 2022 · Hey all, Just chasing some advice over 'backdoor'/'spyware' concerns over Chinese, specifically Xiaomi routers? I have some buddies who work in Cyber divisions in the Army, who are very anti-Chinese routers for backdoor and spyware exploits, however, I just thought I would chase some other opinions of you out there that work in IT. , because of its links to recent cyberattacks. zujmg vjzk yqlras gex smjnwe dfi fcmo crnv ibjvrgf qimica