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4mo ago

U.S. Moves to Secure Telecom Networks by Targeting Chinese Equipment

Congress allocates $3 billion to remove Huawei and ZTE gear as probes into TP-Link routers raise national security concerns.

Overview

  • Congress approved $3 billion to advance the 'Rip and Replace' program, aimed at removing Huawei and ZTE equipment from U.S. rural telecom networks.
  • The Commerce Department is investigating TP-Link routers, which dominate the U.S. retail market, for potential national security risks, with a possible sales ban under consideration.
  • Chinese state-linked hacking campaigns, including the 'Salt Typhoon' breach of major U.S. telecom providers, have heightened urgency for cybersecurity measures.
  • Experts warn that outdated and insecure equipment, including routers from both Chinese and U.S. manufacturers, exacerbates vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
  • The Biden administration's actions against Chinese telecom equipment are expected to continue under the incoming Trump administration, reflecting rare bipartisan alignment on cybersecurity policy.