Technology

TP-Link routers face potential U.S. ban over alleged China-related national security concerns — company "vigorously disputes" Department of Commerce's findings

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Oct 31, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

The U.S. government is considering banning TP-Link routers due to national security concerns over the company's ties to China, despite TP-Link's denial of any security risks. TP-Link, controlling a significant portion of the U.S. router market, is under investigation for its pricing strategies and alleged connections to China. While TP-Link Systems operates out of the U.S., its parent company, TP-Link Technologies, is based in China. The Department of Commerce's proposal for the ban involves a two-phase process, with negotiations likely to occur during the response period. If implemented, this ban would have significant implications for the tech market, similar to the Huawei ban.

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Crucial Taiwan undersea cable severed by old shipwreck — backup microwave communications activated to keep population connected

A shipwreck off Dongyin island in Taiwan has severed the undersea cable connecting it to Beigan Island, prompting the activation of backup microwave communications to maintain connectivity for the 1,500 residents. The Matsu Islands' strategic location near mainland China and the Taiwan Strait makes them crucial for Taiwan's military presence. While this incident was due to natural causes, it underscores Taiwan's vulnerability in its global connections. Recent suspicions of deliberate undersea cable damage by Chinese ships have led Taiwan to increase defensive measures and penalties for sabotage attempts. Despite wireless backups, physical undersea cables remain essential for reliable and high-bandwidth internet connections.

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With $1 Cyberattacks on the Rise, Durable Defenses Pay Off

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IEEE Spectrum•

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US stops exports of tools to China’s number two chip maker — Hua Hong and Huali Microelectronics reportedly on the cusp of starting a 7-nm fab in Shanghai

The US Department of Commerce has instructed toolmakers to cease exports to Hua Hong, China's second-largest chipmaker, which is gearing up to establish a 7-nm production line in Shanghai. This move is part of the US strategy to impede China's semiconductor self-sufficiency efforts. Companies like TSMC and ASML have also faced restrictions in providing advanced services to Chinese tech firms. The ban on exports could strain US-China relations, impacting both Chinese companies' progress and potential losses for American toolmakers.

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Why a recent supply-chain attack singled out security firms Checkmarx and Bitwarden

Security firm Checkmarx has been targeted in a series of supply-chain attacks over the past six weeks, with malware being pushed to customers through compromised accounts. The attacks began with the breach of the Trivy vulnerability scanner, leading to malware being distributed to Checkmarx users. Checkmarx's GitHub account was also compromised, leading to the dissemination of malware to its users. The company faced additional malware pushes, indicating ongoing security challenges. A ransomware group known as Lapsu$ recently dumped Checkmarx's private data on the dark web, suggesting persistent access by attackers.

Ars Technica•