FCC bans foreign routers over rising US cybersecurity threats

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a ban on the import of new foreign-made consumer routers, aiming to strengthen national cybersecurity by reducing reliance on potentially vulnerable devices. This move, prompted by a White House-coordinated security review, targets routers that connect homes and businesses to the internet—critical infrastructure components deemed high-risk for cyberattacks. While the ban halts future imports, it does not affect routers already in use, thereby minimizing disruption for current users. The FCC highlighted that foreign-made routers, particularly those linked to Chinese manufacturers who supply an estimated 60% of U.S. consumer routers, pose severe cybersecurity risks, having been exploited in significant cyber campaigns like Volt and Salt Typhoon. The decision reflects broader geopolitical and national security concerns, with lawmakers emphasizing the dangers of dependency on foreign hardware for critical digital infrastructure. Representative John Moolenaar praised the FCC’s action as a necessary defense against Chinese cyber threats. The order includes a limited exemption allowing the Pentagon to approve