The Salt Typhoon hacks, which were first discovered last year, allowed the Chinese espionage group to access the networks of at least nine American telecommunications operators and their law enforcement wiretapping platforms, as well as dozens of other global telecom providers. The hackers also targeted the communications of a number of high-profile political individuals, including people tied to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Treasury Department sanctioned Chinese firm Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co. in January for reportedly having “direct involvement” with China’s Ministry of State Security in the Salt Typhoon infiltrations.
Members of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology said the Salt Typhoon hacking campaign demonstrated the importance of safeguarding telecom systems and other communications networks from major cyber threats, particularly those directed by or tied to the Chinese government. And they also drew a connection between cybersecurity and the need to better secure physical infrastructure, such as the undersea cables that transmit 99% of global internet traffic.
The chairman of the full House panel — Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky. — said efforts to sabotage those critical cables, as well as threats to satellite communications and the inclusion of vulnerable network gear in U.S. telecom networks, also require special attention to protect communications services from disruptions.
Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, ..
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