The United States has initiated an investigation into possible Chinese hacking of American telecommunications companies, with the National Security Agency (NSA) leading the effort. According to NSA Director General Timothy Haugh, the investigation is in its early stages, and multiple government agencies and private firms are involved in conducting a detailed review of the suspected breaches. However, specific companies have not been publicly identified yet.
It is believed that a Chinese hacking group, referred to by Microsoft as “Salt Typhoon,” may have infiltrated U.S. telecommunications networks for months. This group is suspected of gaining access to systems responsible for lawful wiretapping, posing a significant security threat. Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that companies like AT&T (NYSE: T), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), and Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) may have been targeted, but these companies have not provided comments on the issue.
The NSA has warned since 2022, that U.S. telecommunications infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to Chinese cyberattacks. Previous advisories have highlighted the risks of hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in network devices like routers to gain access to critical systems and users. Haugh has characterized China as the most significant cyber threat to the U.S., noting that Chinese hackers have increasingly targeted critical infrastructure with the potential to disrupt essential services, such as electricity and water supply, in times of crisis.
This ongoing investigation underscores the complexity and scale of Chinese cyber activities, according to the WSJ, which U.S. officials fear could have profound implications for national security, especially if these intrusions are aimed at crippling vital infrastructure during future conflicts.
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