US Telecom Security Breach: Chinese Hackers Under Scrutiny

Chinese hackers are accused of infiltrating US telecom systems and attacking presidential campaigns. US officials warn the network purge may take years. The FBI and CISA urge telecom firms to bolster security, highlighting the uncertainty of the cyberattack’s extent and impact, amid China’s denials.

In a concerning development for US cybersecurity, Chinese hackers have been accused of breaching American telecommunications systems and targeting presidential campaigns, as reported by VOA News. US officials have indicated it may take prolonged efforts to completely erase these cyber intrusions from the network infrastructure.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI issued warnings on Tuesday to US telecommunication companies and their clients, urging increased vigilance. Jeff Greene, CISA's executive assistant director for cybersecurity, conveyed the difficulty in fully assessing the hackers' reach, stating, "We cannot say with certainty that the adversary has been evicted because we still don't know the scope of what they're doing."

A senior FBI official, speaking anonymously, highlighted the challenges in comprehending the breadth of the breach, pointing out that investigations of this magnitude can span several years. The official noted the hackers' adaptability in their tactics, further complicating the inquiry.

The breach, initially publicized in October, implicates the Salt Typhoon cyber group, linked to China, in attempts to spy on US presidential campaigns. The evolving nature of these attacks, including adaptations in response to ongoing investigations, underscores the complexity of the breach. Despite China's rejection of the US claims, the scale of the intrusion is feared to extend globally, targeting telecommunications infrastructure and internet service providers.

China's Embassy in Washington refuted the allegations, with spokesperson Liu Pengyu accusing the US of spreading disinformation and engaging in its own cyberattacks. However, US authorities remain adamant about the significant threat posed by these cyber incursions.

While the CISA and FBI have not detailed the number of affected telecommunications companies or countries, it's clear the breach forms part of a broader strategy by China to gather intelligence on international adversaries. The agencies emphasize the need for vigilance in safeguarding sensitive communications data.

(With inputs from agencies.)