Chinese cyber operations are positioning themselves within U.S. critical infrastructure in anticipation of potential conflict, U.S. Cyber Command officials warned on Friday. According to Morgan Adamski, executive director of Cyber Command, Chinese hackers have been actively working to infiltrate key IT systems that could be used to disrupt essential services during a future crisis.
Speaking at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia, Adamski emphasized that the ongoing Chinese-linked cyberattacks are not only aimed at espionage but are also designed to provide a strategic advantage if tensions with the U.S. escalate.
These activities include accessing networks that control energy, water, and communication systems, which could potentially be used to create widespread disruptions.
Chinese hackers preparing for conflict, says US cyber official https://t.co/qJRMCvBAG9 pic.twitter.com/uRAY3iATyF
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) November 22, 2024
🇺🇸🇨🇳BREAKING: CHINESE HACKERS ARE READY FOR CYBER WAR
U.S. cyber officials warn: Beijing’s hackers are deep in critical systems—power grids, water supplies, even telecoms—ready to flip the switch if conflict sparks.
Dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” they’ve stolen call data, breached… pic.twitter.com/47QwWcwntB
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 22, 2024
The warning follows the revelation of a significant cyber espionage operation, dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” which targeted U.S. telecommunications companies and is being described as one of the worst telecom hacks in U.S. history. The breach resulted in stolen call records and compromised communications between top officials in the presidential campaigns of both major U.S. parties. The FBI has confirmed that sensitive telecommunications and law enforcement data were also impacted.
Chinese hackers were able to deeply penetrate U.S. telecommunications infrastructure over the past several months.
The worst part? The networks are still compromised and it may take incredibly drastic measures to boot them from U.S. systems.https://t.co/VEnviG2NIt
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) November 23, 2024
The Chinese government has consistently denied involvement in these cyberattacks, but U.S. officials remain on high alert. Agencies such as the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been providing technical support and advisories to help organizations mitigate the effects of the hack.
NSA director Gen Haugh tells me he’d like to publish a hunt guide for Salt Typhoon so companies and allies can find, oust and protect against Chinese telco hackers. That needs collective action at speed, he said at NSIF2024.https://t.co/GnImrfoWg0
— Katrina Manson (@KatrinaManson) November 20, 2024
Adamski also outlined the U.S. government’s response, which has involved coordinated actions globally to expose and disrupt Chinese cyber operations. This includes sanctions, legal actions, and cybersecurity advisories aimed at weakening China’s ability to carry out future attacks. As cyber threats continue to escalate, the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure remains a top priority for U.S. officials.
Senator Warns Chinese Hackers "Salt Typhoon" Have Access To All U.S. Mobile Phones https://t.co/lu0MrFDXGc
— The Beach From Florida (@BeachFrmFL) November 23, 2024
The ongoing threat of cyber warfare underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity in national defense, as nations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure. The U.S. will need to continue developing robust defenses against state-sponsored cyberattacks to safeguard its critical assets.
