If the manufacturer of your router or drone is prohibited in the US, it will receive updates until 2029.

      Your “banned” router isn't finished yet, according to the FCC

      The Federal Communications Commission has prolonged a crucial waiver that allows specific foreign-made routers, drones, and drone components to keep receiving software and firmware updates in the U.S. until at least January 1, 2029.

      This decision comes amidst rising concerns that millions of currently deployed devices could become cybersecurity threats if manufacturers were abruptly prohibited from providing security patches and updates. The announcement was made through the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), which also broadened the waiver's scope to incorporate additional software-related modifications necessary for maintaining device functionality.

      Security concerns prompted a regulatory reevaluation

      The extension is a response to a broader FCC initiative that added certain foreign-manufactured routers and unmanned aerial systems to the agency’s “Covered List” in late 2025 and early 2026 due to national security issues. These restrictions effectively halted new approvals and limited modifications post-certification for the impacted devices.

      Initially, existing waivers were set to allow updates only through 2027. However, regulators later recognized that entirely removing software support could result in a more significant issue by leaving devices vulnerable to cyberattacks and compatibility failures.

      The updated waiver now allows essential firmware and software updates for previously authorized devices, even though the products remain under more extensive restrictions. The FCC stressed that this policy does not lift the bans or remove the affected products from the Covered List.

      Why consumers should take note

      For everyday users, this decision is important because routers and drones rely significantly on continuous software support to stay secure and operational. Routers, in particular, function as gateways for home networks, linking phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, and other internet-connected devices. Without security patches, known vulnerabilities can become easier targets for hackers.

      The FCC’s extension essentially grants consumers additional time before they need to worry about their devices becoming unsupported or obsolete. It also lessens the risk of millions of products suddenly being incompatible with future operating systems, networks, or connected services.

      What’s next

      While the waiver provides temporary relief, it also underscores the increasing tension between national security policies and practical cybersecurity requirements. Regulators are expected to spend the coming years establishing a more permanent framework for governing foreign-made networking equipment and drones.

      For manufacturers, the message is mixed: existing products can continue to receive essential updates, but future approvals for foreign-made devices will likely encounter stricter investigation and oversight in the years to come.

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      A credit card size: This fully functional computer even features an e-ink display

      A developer has created an impressively thin computer that closely resembles the size and thickness of a standard credit card, potentially paving the way for a new category of ultra-portable computing devices. Named the “Muxcard,” this experimental gadget integrates a fully functional microcomputer, wireless connectivity, NFC support, sensors, and an E Ink display into a body that measures only 1mm thick — thin enough to fit alongside bank cards in a regular wallet. The project, developed by GitHub user “krauseler,” has quickly captured the interest of the maker and hardware enthusiast community for pushing the boundaries of compact electronics.

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      AI-enhanced graduates are facing challenges in finance jobs due to their surface-level ideas

      While artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial sector, some companies are beginning to resist a growing trend: graduates who overly depend on AI tools without showcasing deeper analytical capabilities. A report from The Financial Times reveals that this issue has recently come to light through the experiences shared by senior finance professionals, including a New York financier who described the 2025 interns at his firm as the first group of “true AI natives.” These students have spent their formative years utilizing both digital platforms and generative AI systems, initially appearing very competent during recruitment.

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      Canvas hack struck students at the worst possible moment, serving as a wake-up call for schools everywhere

      A cyberattack on Canvas occurred at a particularly unfortunate time. The learning platform, which schools and universities use for assignments, exams, grades, lecture materials, and class communications, experienced downtime during finals week, forcing students and instructors to find alternatives quickly. The attack is linked to ShinyHunters, a hacking group known for data theft and extortion. According to BleepingComputer, login portals for Canvas at numerous institutions were altered to display messages reminiscent of ransom notes, warning that stolen student data would be disclosed unless the attackers were contacted. The group claims to have acquired data associated with millions of students, teachers, and staff across thousands of schools.