Officials with the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency say the major Chinese hacking began in late spring, and they are strongly urging Americans to use encrypted communications.
Cyberespionage Campaign Targets Major Telecom Companies
A significant cyberattack targeting major U.S. telecommunications providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies, has led U.S. officials to recommend that Americans adopt encrypted messaging apps to safeguard their communications. Dubbed “Salt Typhoon” by Microsoft, the breach is considered one of the largest intelligence compromises in American history.
The hackers reportedly accessed sensitive information, including call metadata, live phone calls of selected targets, and systems tied to classified court orders under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).
While the full scope of the compromise remains unresolved, officials acknowledged the challenge of fully eradicating the attackers from affected systems.
Encrypted Messaging Apps Recommended
Jeff Greene, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), emphasized the importance of encryption to minimize risks.
“Our suggestion, what we have told folks internally, is not new here: encryption is your friend,” Greene said. “Even if the adversary intercepts data, encryption makes it impossible to access.”
The FBI echoed this advice, urging Americans to use cell phones that receive timely software updates and employ strong, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication. Popular apps like Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Google Messages already implement end-to-end encryption, providing enhanced user security.
Aimed at Espionage, Not Election Interference
The FBI clarified that China’s campaign appears to be a traditional espionage operation, focused on intelligence gathering rather than election interference. The hackers primarily targeted communications originating in Washington, D.C., including political campaigns and government offices.
Among the breached data, call metadata was accessed to trace phone call patterns, while some live calls were intercepted. However, officials declined to disclose the extent of the breach or identify affected individuals.
Criticism of Existing Surveillance Systems
Privacy advocates and lawmakers have criticized the vulnerabilities exposed by the attack. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) highlighted the risks associated with reliance on systems like CALEA, which require telecommunications companies to retain sensitive data.
“When those companies are inevitably hacked, adversaries like China can steal communications,” Wyden said in a statement.
Amid an unprecedented cyberattack on telecommunications companies such as AT&T and Verizon, U.S. officials are recommending that Americans use encrypted messaging apps to ensure their communications stay hidden from foreign hackers. https://t.co/RZNAdqz0nl
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 3, 2024
China Denies Involvement
The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied any involvement in the hacking campaign, stating, “China firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyberattacks.”
Ongoing Investigation
U.S. officials acknowledged the severity of the situation and the challenges in securing compromised systems. Greene admitted it was “impossible” to predict when the telecommunications network would be entirely free of infiltrators.
Despite the historic scale of the breach, officials continue to monitor the fallout and recommend immediate steps to secure individual communications. Encryption remains a critical tool for Americans looking to protect their privacy in the digital age.
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