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Juan Carlos Munera
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Firmware-Security

The FCC Just Banned Foreign-Made Routers. It Should Have Happened Years Ago.

·1191 words·6 mins
Cybersecurity Supply Chain Security Network-Security FCC Firmware-Security Nation-State Threats
On March 23, 2026, the FCC updated its Covered List to include every consumer-grade router produced outside the United States. New models can’t get FCC equipment authorization, which means they can’t be imported or sold here. Existing models already on shelves aren’t affected, and manufacturers can apply for a “Conditional Approval” exemption through the Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) or the Department of Homeland Security. The ruling names the Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon campaigns as direct justification. And that’s where this gets interesting for anyone working in network security.