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Your router and network equipment are the foundation of your digital security. Compromised networking hardware can intercept all your internet traffic, provide backdoor access, and expose your entire operation to surveillance.
Your router is the gateway to your entire network. Compromised routers can intercept all traffic and provide backdoor access.
Wireless access points extend your network coverage but can also extend your attack surface if not properly secured.
Managed switches in farm operations can be exploited to intercept or redirect network traffic.
These manufacturers have been designated as national security threats. Their networking equipment cannot receive new FCC authorizations and should not be used.
| Brand | Affected Products | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
Huawei | All routers, All switches, All access points | FCC Banned | National security threat designation, close ties to Chinese government |
ZTE | All networking equipment | FCC Banned | Entity List, sanctions violations, security concerns |
Hytera | Network infrastructure | FCC Banned | Communications security concerns |
Hikvision | Network video recorders, PoE switches | FCC Banned | Surveillance equipment tied to Chinese state |
Dahua | Network video recorders, PoE switches | FCC Banned | Surveillance equipment, state ownership concerns |
These brands aren't banned but have concerns that warrant careful consideration before deployment.
Chinese company, potential data routing concerns
Recommendation: Use only if isolated from sensitive networks, keep firmware updated
Chinese manufacturer, limited security transparency
Recommendation: Avoid for business use, consider alternatives
Some models manufactured in China with outsourced firmware
Recommendation: Check specific model origin, prefer US-assembled models
These manufacturers have good security track records and are based in allied countries with strong data protection practices.
Regardless of which router you use, follow these security steps to protect your network.
Use a unique, strong password for router admin access
Check for and install latest security updates
Turn off WAN-side admin access unless absolutely needed
Never use WEP or WPA-TKIP encryption
Isolate IoT devices and visitors from main network
WiFi Protected Setup has known vulnerabilities
Don't broadcast router brand/model in network name
Use router's built-in firewall features
Take our security audit to get personalized recommendations for securing your home or farm network.