TP-Link Receives Fine From FTC

Following news that TP Link was slapped with a fine of $200k from America’s broadband regulator, the FCC , for breaking rules set on radio frequency, Cesare Garlati, chief security strategist for the prpl Foundation commented below:

Cesare Garlati, Chief Security Strategist at Prpl Foundation:

“I am not surprised to see one more vendor breaking the rules to gain an unfair advantage over its competitors. This reminds me the scandal over VW “defeat software” to cheat pollution emissions tests. What I find really disturbing is the fact that these “cheats” dangerously affect safety and reliability of critical infrastructure – radio communications and transportation.

“This incident shows – once more – the limits of proprietary software and the myth of security through obscurity. The proprietary nature of TP-Link code did not prevent regulators from exposing the flaw. It further illustrates the need to rely on open source software for devices that have an impact on critical infrastructure. The global open source community is much better driver for innovation than profit and margins – which can lead to vendors taking shortcuts.

“If we don’t step up now as an open, global community with universal ways to secure these devices, regulators will have no choice but to step in and in the process, that could hinder innovation.”