Chinese Hackers Remain in US Telecom Networks
Weeks after the discovery of a significant hacking campaign, Chinese state-sponsored hackers, known as Salt Typhoon, continue to have access to the networks of major US telecom companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen. The hackers' objectives remain unclear, making it challenging for the companies to fully remove them. Similar concerns about Chinese interference have been raised before.
This breach, initially reported in October, targeted the communications of US officials, senior citizens, and even presidential candidates. The hackers also accessed wiretap systems potentially used to identify Chinese individuals under US surveillance. T-Mobile reported being targeted but largely fended off the attack. Security measures are crucial to prevent such breaches.
The US government has issued guidance to telecom companies on strengthening their networks against these attacks. Each company faces unique challenges in its remediation efforts. This incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity threat posed by state-sponsored actors. Improving security APIs is one way to enhance protection.