According to MakeUseOf, TP-Link controls between 30-65 percent of the US router market and has been under repeated attack since late 2024 over alleged links to Chinese state threat actors. The company split its Chinese and US operations in 2022, officially completing the separation in 2025 with a new headquarters in Irvine, California. However, in October 2025, multiple US federal departments including Commerce, Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense moved to back a proposal to ban TP-Link hardware. This follows multiple security incidents including a 2024 Microsoft report about compromised routers backdoored by Chinese state-sponsored hackers and a Check Point Research exposure of dangerous firmware implants attributed to Chinese hacking group “Camaro Dragon.”
The real security concerns
Here’s the thing: these aren’t just theoretical worries. We’re talking about actual documented incidents where TP-Link routers were compromised and used in attacks. The company even issued its own warning in 2025 about compromised hardware being used to attack Microsoft 365 accounts. So the pattern is pretty clear – Chinese state actors have repeatedly targeted TP-Link devices. But does that mean the company itself is complicit? That’s where things get murky.
What this means for you
Now, before you start ripping your router off the wall, let’s be realistic. Most of the government’s concern focuses on high-level business and organizational networks. The average home user streaming Netflix and browsing Instagram probably isn’t the primary target. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: if state actors can compromise these devices, they create a massive botnet that could be used for all sorts of nasty stuff. And honestly, when you’re dealing with critical infrastructure and industrial systems, you can’t afford any doubts about hardware security. That’s why companies that supply industrial panel PCs and other critical hardware need to maintain absolute trust – something TP-Link is struggling with right now.
The bigger political picture
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. We’ve seen similar moves against Kaspersky antivirus and the ongoing TikTok drama. The US government is clearly taking a harder line on Chinese-connected technology companies. According to The Washington Post, the newly separated TP-Link US operation isn’t considered truly independent enough to satisfy security concerns. So even though the company has made real efforts to distance itself, it might not be enough.
So what should you actually do?
Don’t panic. A full consumer ban won’t happen overnight – these things take time and political will. If you’re a business or organization with sensitive data, you might want to consider alternatives. For home users? The risk is probably lower, but it’s worth thinking about your next router purchase. Basically, keep using what you have for now, but maybe don’t buy another TP-Link when it’s time to upgrade. The government’s concerns might be overblown for consumers, but why take chances when there are plenty of other options?
