The FCC’s ban, announced last month, applies to new routers and similar devices that companies import into the U.S. If the device was approved by the FCC prior to this ban, these goods will continue to be allowed into the country. Companies that want to import new models will have to apply for an exemption and meet established safety criteria. The ban has no impact on the router in your home. The only time you’ll run into this issue is when you go to buy new equipment.

However, the rule is still evolving. Last week, the agency expanded the ban to cover mobile hotspots, the palm-sized devices that create a Wi-Fi connection via a cellular network when you’re out of WiFi range. MiFi devices are prized for their ability to create a more reliable connection than you could with the hotspot feature in your phone. But they should not be confused with the hotspot capability in your phone. This ban does not affect your phone.

Like with drones, routers produced in any foreign country pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons” the FCC explained when it released the ban. The government is concerned about the physical surveillance capabilities of drones, while concerns around routers are much broader.

For government and companies, compromised routers could be used to disrupt the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure and national defense. For individuals at home, bad routers could allow an attacker to watch and record network traffic, redirect you to fake websites, steal data or use the device as part of a botnet, which is a network of infected devices used to attack other systems.

This does not mean every foreign-made router is unsafe. The FCC’s action is based on a national security determination about the category of foreign-produced consumer routers, not a finding that every model in every home has been hacked. It is also tied to supply chains. The government does not want U.S. households, businesses and infrastructure dependent on equipment that could be difficult to verify, update or secure over time. It prefers routers and other electronics are made here in the U.S., part of the administration’s reindustrialization program.

There are already exceptions. The FCC has announced conditional approvals for some router lines from Netgear, Adtran and eero. These approvals run into 2027, which gives companies time to meet the government’s conditions. That suggests this rule will not instantly remove familiar brands from store shelves, but it may affect which models are available and how quickly companies can introduce new ones.

But the ban brings up safety concerns that should be addressed, including whether your current router is still supported and secure. If your router came from your internet provider, you can call and ask whether the model is still receiving security updates. If you bought it yourself, look up the model number on the manufacturer’s website. If the last firmware update was years ago or the company no longer supports the model, it is time to replace it.

You should also consider replacing your router if it is more than five years old, drops connections regularly, cannot handle the internet speed you are paying for or does not support modern security settings. At minimum, use WPA2 security. WPA3 is better if your devices support it. Change the router’s default admin password — not just the Wi-Fi password. Turn on automatic firmware updates if they are available. If not, set a reminder to check for updates every few months.

If you use smart home devices, set up a guest network for them. That keeps your doorbell, camera, thermostat and other connected gadgets separated from the computers and phones you use for banking, email and work. It is a simple way to reduce risk without giving up the convenience of smart devices.

Your router is one of the most important devices in your house, and the one that is often overlooked. You do not have to replace it because of the ban. But when it’s time for a new one, you should feel more confident that it meets government standards

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.