Chinese hackers are reportedly targeting U.S. critical infrastructure networks in preparation for a possible future conflict, a senior U.S. cybersecurity official said on Friday. Morgan Adamski, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, outlined how Chinese-linked cyber activities are focused on gaining a strategic advantage in the event of a confrontation with the United States.
During his address at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia, Adamski explained that Chinese cyber operations have been targeting key infrastructure systems, including those that manage energy, water, and communication networks. The goal of these activities is to enable disruptions if necessary, such as manipulating HVAC systems in data centers or shutting down power and water controls during a potential conflict.
🇺🇸🇨🇳BREAKING: CHINESE HACKERS ARE READY FOR CYBER WAR
U.S. cyber officials warn: Beijing’s hackers are deep in critical systems—power grids, water supplies, even telecoms—ready to flip the switch if conflict sparks.
Dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” they’ve stolen call data, breached… pic.twitter.com/47QwWcwntB
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 22, 2024
Chinese hackers preparing for conflict, says US cyber official https://t.co/qJRMCvBAG9 pic.twitter.com/uRAY3iATyF
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) November 22, 2024
This alarming revelation follows the discovery of the “Salt Typhoon” cyber espionage campaign, which U.S. officials have called one of the most damaging telecom hacks in the nation’s history. The operation involved stealing sensitive data, including call records, and compromising communications between top political figures during the 2024 election season. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been providing assistance to affected organizations, helping them mitigate the damage from the breach.
Chinese hackers were able to deeply penetrate U.S. telecommunications infrastructure over the past several months.
The worst part? The networks are still compromised and it may take incredibly drastic measures to boot them from U.S. systems.https://t.co/VEnviG2NIt
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) November 23, 2024
The Chinese government has repeatedly denied any involvement in cyberattacks on U.S. entities, but U.S. officials continue to monitor and respond to the growing threat. Adamski also noted that the U.S. government has taken coordinated actions, including public exposés of Chinese cyber operations, sanctions, and law enforcement actions, aimed at disrupting China’s cyber capabilities worldwide.
NSA director Gen Haugh tells me he’d like to publish a hunt guide for Salt Typhoon so companies and allies can find, oust and protect against Chinese telco hackers. That needs collective action at speed, he said at NSIF2024.https://t.co/GnImrfoWg0
— Katrina Manson (@KatrinaManson) November 20, 2024
Senator Warns Chinese Hackers "Salt Typhoon" Have Access To All U.S. Mobile Phones https://t.co/lu0MrFDXGc
— The Beach From Florida (@BeachFrmFL) November 23, 2024
With tensions between the U.S. and China rising, the need to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyberattacks is becoming more urgent. As China’s cyber capabilities continue to expand, the U.S. must strengthen its defenses and prepare for an increasingly digital form of warfare. The escalating threat of Chinese cyber operations underscores the need for greater international cooperation to combat cyber threats and protect national security.
