Salt Typhoon cyberespionage operation raises alarm over US telecommunications security vulnerabilities
US agencies to brief lawmakers on alleged Chinese telecom hacking.
US government agencies are set to brief the House of Representatives on a widespread cyberespionage campaign allegedly linked to China. Known as Salt Typhoon, the operation reportedly targeted American telecommunications firms to steal call metadata and other sensitive information. A similar briefing was held for senators last week.
The White House revealed that at least eight US telecom companies had been affected, with a large number of citizens’ data compromised. Senator Ron Wyden is drafting legislation in response, while Senator Bob Casey expressed significant concern, noting that legislative action might be delayed until the new year.
On Wednesday, a Senate Commerce subcommittee will examine the broader risks posed by cyber threats to communication networks. Industry representatives, including Competitive Carriers Association CEO Tim Donovan, will contribute insights on best practices to counter such attacks.
China has denied the allegations, labelling them as disinformation, and reaffirmed its opposition to cyber theft. Officials and lawmakers continue to emphasise the gravity of the breaches, with Senator Richard Blumenthal calling the scale of Chinese hacking efforts ‘terrifying.’
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