Rethinking Wireless Router Providers' Cybersecurity Strategies after the FTC Case Against D-Link

In early 2017, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) filed a lawsuit against D-Link, a major wireless router brand in Taiwan, for failing to take reasonable steps to secure its wireless routers and IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, leaving consumers vulnerable to hackers. This however is not the first time for the FTC to sue a networking equipment provider. In 2014, the agency sued ASUS, another Taiwan-based wireless router vendor, over product security flaws, and entered into a settlement with the company later on. As the FTC takes one after another networking equipment provider to court, it is recommended that companies follow the lawsuits closely, and examine their own security practices.

Table of Contents
1.Background
1.1 Lax Security Allegations from the FTC and D-Link
1.2 Another Router Security Flaws Filed by FTC Settled
2. implications behind the FTC cases
2.1 FTC Brings IoT Privacy and Security to the Attention of IoT Vendors
2.2 Router is Often the Target for Hackers
3. MIC Perspective
3.1 Networking Equipment Providers Better Prepare Themselves Prior to Entering the Developed Markets
3.2 Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Software as Key to Brand Image and Market Share Protection
Appendix
Glossary of Terms
List of Companies
List of Figures
Figure 1. Router as the Central Nervous System of the IoT

List of topics:

Background of the FTC case against D-Link, getting both sides of the story
Background of FTC's another case against ASUS, touching on its settlement
Implication behind FTC's aggressive allegations for IoT networking equipment manufacturers