03/28/2026
My Opinion on the March FCC Router Ban
On March 23, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced an effective ban on the import and sale of new models of consumer-grade Wi-Fi routers produced outside the United States.
A fully configured, secure, and well-maintained non-US router can be far superior to a default-configured US router in terms of security and functionality. The FCC’s decision to restrict imports of certain foreign-made routers seems short-sighted, especially since the root cause of security vulnerabilities is often poor device configuration, not the country of manufacture. In fact, most consumer-grade routers, regardless of origin, fail due to default passwords, lack of updates, and complex setup instructions, not inherent security flaws.
Instead of focusing on the country of origin, emphasis should be placed on user education, firmware updates, and enforcing stricter standards for security patches from manufacturers. Countries introducing and enforcing mandatory hardware backdoors warrant specific scrutiny, but banning all non-US routers without considering user accountability may create unnecessary panic and lead to outdated, insecure devices staying in operation. A secure router is one that stays up to date, is properly configured, and operates under good cybersecurity practices.
Ultimately, the router that keeps you secure isn’t defined by where it’s made but by how well you maintain it. Updating firmware, changing default credentials, and for the technically adept installing secure open-source firmware can extend a router’s lifespan and reduce the likelihood of exploitation.
If you’re concerned about your router, let me help. We welcome the opportunity to serve.
James Sanders
President of Shared Resources IT Services
704-655-0615
www.sronc.com
