Federal investigators have disclosed a major China-linked cyberespionage operation that targets the networks of U.S. telecommunications companies and compromises sensitive information.
In a joint statement, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) revealed that hackers affiliated with China gained unauthorized access to several telecom providers, exfiltrating cellular records and eavesdropping on a limited number of individuals. Those targeted were primarily involved in government or political activities.
The statement marked the first acknowledgment of such intrusions, with the agencies confirming the breach 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 the sector, “the FBI and CISA immediately notified affected companies, rendered technical assistance, and rapidly shared information to assist other potential victims,” the agencies stated.
The disclosure follows a Wall Street Journal report alleging that a Chinese government-backed group, dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” infiltrated systems at major providers including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies.
The hackers allegedly accessed customer call records and, in some instances, information subject to legal requests from U.S. authorities was also compromised.
China has denied the allegations, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissing claims of state-sponsored hacking as politically motivated disinformation.
“China has no interest in interfering in other countries’ internal affairs through cyberspace,” Lin said. She added that China firmly opposes the spread of baseless allegations driven by “political agendas.”
