Chinese hackers from a group known as Salt Typhoon have executed what is considered the largest cyberattack on U.S. telecommunications firms in history. The hackers have reportedly stolen metadata from numerous customers of some of the largest telecom companies in the country. U.S. officials have warned that the breach may still be ongoing.
What Was Stolen?
While the stolen metadata does not include the content of phone calls, it holds valuable information such as:
- Call durations
- Caller and receiver data
- Geolocation details
This data could be highly useful for cyberspying operations, enabling detailed tracking of individuals.
The Scale of the Attack
According to U.S. officials, Salt Typhoon accessed the systems of at least eight major telecom companies, including the largest mobile network operators. A senior government official clarified:
“We don’t believe it affects every phone in the country, but it likely involves a significant number of people targeted by Chinese authorities.”
Ongoing Threat
Authorities have raised concerns that the hackers may still have access to the compromised systems. This cyberattack was first publicly reported in September by The Wall Street Journal. In recent weeks, the issue has gained renewed attention, with senior officials from U.S. intelligence, the White House, and Congress discussing the breach in closed-door meetings.
Congress Reacts
On Wednesday, National Intelligence Director Avril Haines and other high-ranking officials briefed U.S. senators on the situation. Congressman Jake Auchincloss called it:
“The largest cyberattack on American telecom companies ever.”
How Serious Is This?
The incident highlights growing concerns about Chinese cyberespionage capabilities and their ability to infiltrate critical infrastructure. The ongoing access to telecom systems underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and closer collaboration between public and private sectors to safeguard sensitive data.
