FCC Moves to Protect US Communications Networks from Foreign Threats

(MENAFN) The Federal Communications Commission has introduced new measures aimed at protecting the nation’s communications infrastructure from potential foreign threats, including cyberattacks and sabotage, according to official statements released Monday.

As part of the move, the agency has placed certain consumer routers manufactured abroad onto its Covered List, following a national security assessment conducted by executive branch authorities. This step effectively blocks newly produced foreign-made routers from being marketed or sold within the United States.

The assessment warned that such devices may create “a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt the US economy, critical infrastructure, and national defense” and could represent “a severe cybersecurity risk that could be leveraged to immediately and severely disrupt US critical infrastructure and directly harm US persons.”

Commenting on the decision, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said, "I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign-produced routers, which were found to pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC's Covered List."

However, the ruling allows for exceptions. Routers that receive “Conditional Approval” from authorities such as the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security may still be permitted if they are deemed not to pose significant risks. Manufacturers are encouraged to apply for this status in line with the provided guidelines.

The agency further highlighted ongoing concerns, stating, "Malicious actors have exploited security gaps in foreign-made routers to attack American households, disrupt networks, enable espionage, and facilitate intellectual property theft," adding, "We must re-secure our own independent and reliable access to the goods we need to defend ourselves and preserve our way of life."

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