FCC Bans New Foreign-Made Routers Over Supply Chain and Cyber Risk Concerns

The FCC has banned the import and sale of new foreign-made consumer routers, citing unacceptable supply-chain and cybersecurity risks to U.S. critical infrastructure and national security. The action adds all foreign consumer-grade routers to a Covered List unless granted Conditional Approval and highlights botnets like CovertNetwork-1658 and threat actors such as Volt Typhoon as examples of the risks posed #CovertNetwork1658 #VoltTyphoon

Keypoints

The FCC has prohibited new foreign-made consumer routers from being marketed or sold in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
All consumer-grade routers manufactured abroad were added to the Covered List unless granted Conditional Approval by the Department of War (DoW) or DHS.
State-aligned and non-state actors have exploited foreign routers, with botnets like CovertNetwork-1658 and groups like Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon implicated.
Previously purchased routers remain usable and retailers can continue selling models previously authorized through the FCC.
Manufacturers can apply for Conditional Approval, and Starlink Wi-Fi routers are exempt because they are made in Texas.