Chinese state-backed hackers target U.S. Treasury and telecom

A major cybersecurity threat has come to light through recent BBC reporting, revealing that Chinese hackers have breached several U.S. targets, including the Department of the Treasury and major telecommunications companies. The infiltration at the Treasury, which officials labeled a "major incident," allowed hackers to have access to employee workstations and unclassified documents.

The Chinese government's response, as documented by BBC, has been to deny all allegations. Through Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, they dismissed the accusations as baseless and lacking evidence, maintaining their opposition to all forms of hacking.

The scope of these attacks extends beyond government agencies to include the presidential campaigns of both major U.S. parties. In a worrisome development, the hackers gained access to a sensitive database of phone numbers under law enforcement surveillance, raising serious questions about the security of ongoing investigations.

The report reveals that several distinct hacking groups, each reportedly connected to the Chinese government, are behind these attacks. Security firms have given these groups colorful names like Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon. While Salt Typhoon focused on telecommunications companies, Volt Typhoon reportedly targeted critical infrastructure organizations for potential disruption.

The hackers accessed the phones of several high-profile individuals, including President-elect  Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and staff members of Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign. These breaches are part of a larger pattern that includes attacks on the U.K.'s Electoral Commission and the parliaments of both the U.K. and New Zealand.

Reuters reportedly described the telecommunications breach as China's most significant cyber-espionage campaign ever. The impact is widespread, with millions of Americans potentially having their data compromised through attacks on companies like AT&T and Verizon.

The Wall Street Journal says U.S. officials have been warning for over 10 years about growing dangers online. These include hackers who lock computers and ask for money and government-backed groups stealing important business secrets. They are also worried about Chinese equipment from companies like Huawei and ZTE, saying the equipment could allow secret spying.

Recent developments show increased pressure on Chinese interests in the West. The BBC notes that U.S. authorities have warned China Telecom Americas about being a national security threat, while the U.K. has imposed sanctions on two individuals and a Wuhan-based technology company linked to the hacking operations. Security experts interviewed by the BBC suggest these attacks likely took years to plan, reflecting China's long-term strategic approach to intelligence operations, in contrast to the more reactive stance typically taken by the United States.

Chinese state-backed hackers target U.S. Treasury and telecom