A popular home-internet router from China could face a complete ban as soon as next year as authorities investigate their potential link to cyberattack fears.
The China-based router manufacturer TP-Link is under federal investigation after recent cyberattacks on top US officials sparked urgency to quash any national vulnerabilities for more cyber threats.
The company holds a 65 percent market share in the United States and is the top choice on Amazon. It also powers internet communications for the Defense Department and other federal government agencies.
However, amid rising fears of cyberattacks and national security threats, the popular products could be banned from being sold as soon as next year, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that an office of the Commerce Department has subpoenaed TP-Link.
The banning of the products would fall to president-elect Donald Trump, who has already signaled an aggressive approach to China, when he takes office.
Concerns for the Chinese-based products arose in October after Microsoft published a cybersecurity report, finding that a Chinese hacking entity maintains a large network made up mostly of compromising thousands of TP-Link routers.
Numerous alleged cyberattacks took place through the network, reported the WSJ, including on government organizations and Defense Department suppliers.