Chinese Hackers Target US Telecom Giants
Washington DC, October 6
A group of Chinese hackers, known as Salt Typhoon, has infiltrated several US telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen, in search of sensitive national security information. These companies are crucial as they hold vast amounts of caller and user data.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, denied any involvement, accusing the US of politicizing cybersecurity issues. The US government has taken the matter seriously, briefing the House and Senate intelligence committees.
Cybersecurity experts from Microsoft and Mandiant are assisting in the investigation. The hackers are noted for their skill and persistence in penetrating computer networks.
This incident adds to the ongoing tensions between the US and China over cyber-espionage. Chinese President Xi Jinping assured US President Joe Biden that China would not interfere in the 2024 presidential election during a meeting last year.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has previously warned about the threat posed by Chinese hackers to critical infrastructure in the US and abroad. Think tanks like the Center of Strategic and International Studies have highlighted the global risks of such cyberattacks.
Doubts Revealed
Chinese Hackers -: Chinese hackers are people from China who use computers to break into other people’s computer systems without permission. They often do this to steal information or cause problems.
Salt Typhoon -: Salt Typhoon is the name given to a group of hackers from China. They are known for trying to break into computer systems to get secret information.
AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen -: AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen are big companies in the United States that provide telephone and internet services. They help people and businesses connect and communicate with each other.
Chinese Embassy -: The Chinese Embassy is the official office of the Chinese government in another country, like the United States. They represent China’s interests and help with communication between the two countries.
Politicizing -: Politicizing means making something a political issue, often to gain an advantage or to influence people’s opinions. It involves using a situation to argue about politics.
US Intelligence Committees -: US Intelligence Committees are groups of people in the US government who oversee and make decisions about the country’s intelligence activities. They help keep the country safe by understanding threats and gathering information.
Microsoft and Mandiant -: Microsoft is a big technology company known for making computer software, like Windows. Mandiant is a company that specializes in cybersecurity, helping protect computer systems from hackers.
Cyber-espionage -: Cyber-espionage is when people use computers to spy on others and steal secret information. It’s like being a spy, but using technology instead of sneaking around in person.
Xi Jinping -: Xi Jinping is the President of China. He is the leader of the Chinese government and makes important decisions for the country.
Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States. He is the leader of the US government and makes important decisions for the country.