The US links a large-scale cyberattack on telecommunications companies to Chinese hackers

Federal investigators have uncovered a major cyberespionage operation linked to China that targeted the networks of US telecommunications companies and compromised confidential information.

In the joint statementThe FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have discovered that hackers linked to China gained unauthorized access to several telecom operators by stealing cell phone records and eavesdropping on a limited number of individuals. Those targeted were mostly involved in government or political activities.

The announcement marked the first confirmation of such intrusions by the agencies confirming violation earlier in October. They described the unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure as being carried out by actors associated with the People’s Republic of China.

After identifying specific malicious activity targeting this sector, “the FBI and CISA immediately notified affected companies, provided technical assistance, and quickly shared information to assist other potential victims,” ​​the agencies said.

This is reported by the Wall Street Journal report claiming that a Chinese government-backed group called “Salty Typhoon” had infiltrated the systems of major ISPs, including AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies.

The hackers allegedly gained access to customer call records, and in some cases compromised information that was subject to legitimate requests from US authorities.

China has denied the allegations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian dismissing claims of state-sponsored hacking as politically motivated disinformation.

“China is not interested in interfering in the internal affairs of other countries through cyberspace,” Lin said. She added that China strongly opposes the spread of baseless accusations driven by “political agendas.”