9th US Telecom Company Targeted in Chinese Hacking Attack | Update
The White House recently disclosed that a whopping ninth U.S. telecom company was targeted in a vast Chinese espionage campaign. This cyberattack allowed Chinese actors to access private messages and phone conversations of some Americans, creating concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in both the public and private sectors.
Known as Salt Typhoon, this Chinese hacking blitz impacted at least eight other telecom companies and numerous nations. The administration took swift action, releasing guidance to help companies identify Chinese hackers lurking in their networks. In a recent update, Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger revealed the identification of a ninth victim, shedding light on the threats posed by these attacks.
These cybercriminals breached telecommunication networks to acquire call records and intrude on the private communications of a select group of individuals, including high-ranking U.S. officials. While precise numbers of affected Americans remain uncertain, Neuberger mentioned that a significant number reside in the Washington-Virginia area. The aim of these hackers was to surveil individuals of interest by monitoring their texts and phone calls closely.
Most of the targets were individuals involved in government or political spheres, raising serious national security concerns. Neuberger emphasized the necessity for enhanced cybersecurity practices within the telecommunications industry, highlighting the upcoming Federal Communications Commission meeting to address these issues. She also indicated that more actions would be forthcoming in response to the cyber campaign, though specifics were not disclosed.
Despite these revelations, the Chinese government has denied any involvement in the hacking incidents. This ongoing cybersecurity threat underscores the importance of strengthening defenses against hacking attempts from countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
