US Looks to Ban Security-Lapsed Internet Routers
A number of internet routers have been found to house security issues. They have been linked to cybersecurity links in the US. In this article, we discuss the issue.
A router is a device used in the processing of online data and its transfer to a business or home network. Certain routers are facing a ban in the US due to an unusually high number of security issues. Knowing which items are impacted and staying safe online is essential, and we discuss it in the article below.
Which Routers Could Be Banned?
The routers in question are made by TP-Link Technologies. They are prevalent in many US homes, but also further afield in countries such as Australia and India. The devices have been linked to breaches by a notorious hacker group, which is based in Southeast Asia. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Commerce, Defense, and Justice departments are investigating, and the product could be banned as early as next year.
Many of the issues arise from security flaws in the manufacture of the products. This is regardless of which place or factory they have been made in. There will also be an investigation into how the products are sold. It is believed they have managed to saturate around 65% of the router market by selling their product at a lower cost than they cost to manufacture. This is illegal under US law.
Staying Safe Online
Cybercrime is on the rise, particularly in the US. It is estimated that incidents are up 70% on last year, with 45% of this being related to identity theft. The use of faulty routers to gain access to the data of US individuals is one of many ways in which crime groups can gain access to people’s information. So how can you manage to stay safe at home?
The first is to be very wary of what websites you visit when shopping or entertaining yourself online. There are plenty of websites that will rate both retail and streaming services, so you know they are safe and legitimate. A fantastic example in the US is ones that rank online casinos. The US currently has seven states that allow the use of online operators. However, this does not mean people in those states cannot access them, with many using ones based offshore.
This makes getting safe and well-reviewed ones imperative, and there are websites that can help with this. Sites like sportscasting.com will aggregate operators for customers based on a range of factors, from introductory bonuses to, crucially, safety. This helps them make informed decisions about providers. You can find sites like this for many other services as well.
Your system itself can be kept safe. Make sure you are regularly updating your operating system and software. A robust antivirus system will allow you to scan for threats and intercept them in real time. This will prevent them from becoming a problem. Many will also come with a VPN, which can mask your location and make it harder for criminals to gain access to your device.
Finally, educate anyone in your house or using your network on cybercrime. Remind them of the importance of updating passwords regularly. They must also be able to spot the signs of online fraud, including phishing emails.
Do I Have a Banned Router?
While these routers are yet to be banned, you may be worried about issues with yours and want to replace it. The devices in question are created by TP-Link. It will be marked either on the top or underneath the device with the company name or logo. This will be in the top left of the labeled sticker, and the make and model will be situated on the right-hand side.
There are no specific makes or models under investigation: All of them may be subject to the ban. Every product has been accused of having an unusual degree of vulnerabilities, according to statements from the commerce department. However, it has also been noted that this is common with home goods and that they have “documented vulnerabilities from home equipment vendors across the board,” with TP-Link products simply having more than usual.
Major US Company Cyberattacks
It is not only households and individuals who are at risk of cyber-attacks and crime. In the past year, there have been numerous incidents of major attacks on US companies. This month, Krispy Kreme doughnuts was another one on a long list of many organizations hit by an attack that disrupted its online systems.
The incident was reported to the US Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC). Customers were unable to buy products from the company website, meaning it will have a significant impact on company profits. The company told media outlets that it was working to resolve the issue, which included restoring the ability to order online.
Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. However, by plugging these gaps in the internet of things, the US can at least reduce some of these. The problem is identifying them, as they have done with these TP-Link routers. As an individual, it is up to you to check the websites you visit, protect your own devices, and educate friends and family on the dangers.
