Chinese hackers have reportedly breached U.S. telecommunications networks, targeting systems used for court-authorized wiretapping. According to a Wall Street Journal report, major companies like Verizon Communications, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies have been affected by this serious security breach.
The hacking group may have had access to these systems for several months, raising alarms about the integrity of data collected under court orders. The implications of such an intrusion are vast, as it could potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive communications monitored by federal agencies.
In response to the allegations, China’s foreign ministry stated that it was not aware of the attacks and accused the U.S. of creating a “false narrative.” They urged the importance of international cooperation in addressing cybersecurity challenges rather than exacerbating tensions through unfounded claims.
The group behind the attack has been named “Salt Typhoon” by U.S. investigators, adding to the list of Chinese hacking groups that have previously been under investigation, such as “Flax Typhoon.” This pattern of cyber espionage has prompted significant concern within the U.S. intelligence community.
Experts warn that the breach poses a significant threat not only to the telecommunications infrastructure but also to the security of critical national operations. The ability to access wiretap systems could compromise ongoing investigations and intelligence efforts.
As of now, the impacted companies have not responded to inquiries about the breach, leaving questions regarding the extent of the infiltration and the measures being taken to safeguard their networks and user data.
