WASHINGTON – Chinese government-linked hackers have infiltrated the networks of at least eight U.S. telecommunications companies in a large-scale cyber espionage campaign, according to a federal investigation. The attackers gained access to sensitive communications, targeting government officials and prominent political figures, a top White House official confirmed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued guidance to help telecom providers detect and block these breaches. However, none of the affected companies have fully eradicated the hackers from their systems, officials said.
Details of the Espionage Campaign
The hacking group, believed to be affiliated with Beijing and known as “Salt Typhoon,” reportedly infiltrated telecom networks to access private call records and communications of a limited number of high-value targets. While the average citizen’s data appears unaffected, the breaches are part of a broader effort to monitor individuals involved in U.S. government and political activities.
The FBI disclosed that the hackers also attempted to retrieve information subject to U.S. law enforcement requests, potentially targeting data collected under surveillance programs such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger recently revealed the scale of the operation, stating that hackers had accessed communications from senior government officials and prominent political figures. “The campaign focused on a small group of individuals, but some Americans’ calls and texts were compromised,” she said.
Ongoing Efforts to Mitigate the Breach
The breaches, which authorities believe began one to two years ago, are still active, with affected telecom companies working to secure their systems. However, the attackers remain embedded in some networks, posing an ongoing threat.
The FBI and CISA have urged telecom companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures and follow recommended protocols to prevent future attacks.
National Security Implications
This latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored cyberattacks from China. The campaign represents a targeted effort to collect intelligence on U.S. political and governmental activities, heightening tensions between Washington and Beijing over cybersecurity and espionage concerns.
