Chinese hackers stole metadata of numerous Americans, senior official reports

Chinese hackers have stolen metadata from U.S. telecommunications firms, compromising sensitive personal and professional call patterns.
US identifies nine big companies affected by Salt Typhoon cyberattacks recently

A senior US official revealed that a Chinese hacking group, known as ‘Salt Typhoon,’ has stolen vast amounts of Americans’ metadata in a broad cyberespionage effort targeting US telecommunications. While specific figures remain undisclosed, the hackers are said to have breached at least eight American telecom firms, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Call record metadata — detailing who called whom, when, and where — was a key target, exposing sensitive personal and professional patterns. In some cases, telephone audio intercepts were also reportedly stolen. The campaign remains active, with the White House prioritising efforts to counter the intrusions.

Government agencies, including the FBI and the National Security Council, have briefed lawmakers and President Joe Biden on the matter, highlighting the severity of the breach. Efforts to secure the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure are ongoing.