White House says 9th telecommunications company hacked as part of Chinese espionage campaign

The White House said Friday that 9th US telecommunications company hacked as part of Chinese espionage program That gives the country’s officials access to the private messages and phone conversations of Americans.

The Biden administration said earlier this month that at least eight telecommunications companies and dozens of countries were affected by the Chinese hacking operation known as Salt Typhoon.

Last Friday, Anne Neuberger Deputy National Security Adviser told reporters that A ninth victim has been identified after the administration released guidance to companies. About how to find Chinese hackers in their networks

Hackers penetrate a telecommunications company’s network to collect customer call records. and access to the private communications of a limited number of people The official said

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Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, speaks during a news conference at the White House on March 21, 2022 in Washington. (AP)

The FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims. But officials believe that senior U.S. government officials And political figures were among the victims who had access to communications.

Neuberger said officials still don’t know exactly how many Americans were targeted by the salt storm. This is partly because hackers are cautious about their methods. But she said “many” victims were in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

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Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber ​​and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger speaks during the daily White House press briefing on February 17, 2021 in Washington. (Getty Images)

Officials said they believe the hackers wanted to identify who owned the device and spy on their messages and phone calls if they were. “An interesting government goal,” Neuberger said.

Most victims “Principally related to government or political activity,” the FBI said.

Neuberger said the hack demonstrates the need for mandatory cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry. The Federal Communications Commission is set to consider it during a meeting next month.

The US and Chinese flags are raised ahead of a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. and Vice Premier He Lifeng of China at Diaoyutai Guest House in Beijing, China, Saturday, July 8, 2023. (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via REUTERS)

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She also said without giving details. The government is planning further action in the coming weeks in response to the hacking campaign. Although she didn’t say what it was.

“We know that voluntary cybersecurity practices are not enough to prevent Chinese, Russian and Iranian hacks of our critical infrastructure,” she said.

The Chinese government denies responsibility for the hacking campaign.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.