Trump administration plans stronger response to cyber attacks

The incoming Trump administration is set to explore ways to impose higher costs on adversaries and private actors behind cyber attacks, according to Representative Mike Waltz, the pick for national security adviser. Waltz’s statement follows US allegations that a widespread Chinese cyberespionage operation, known as Salt Typhoon, targeted senior American officials and stole significant amounts of metadata.

The White House has revealed that at least eight telecommunications and infrastructure firms in the US were compromised during this campaign. While Waltz did not specify potential actions against Salt Typhoon, he emphasised the need to go beyond defensive measures and start taking offensive actions to deter cyber threats.

Waltz also highlighted the role of the US tech industry in strengthening national defence and exposing vulnerabilities in adversaries. Meanwhile, Chinese officials continue to deny involvement, dismissing the accusations as disinformation and asserting that Beijing opposes cyber attacks in all forms.