Adamski: Chinese hackers are preparing for conflict with the United States

2024-11-23 08:46:52, Kosova & Bota CNA

Chinese hackers are positioning themselves on critical US cyber infrastructure networks for a potential clash with Washington, a top US cyber security official said on Friday.

Morgan Adamski, executive director of the United States Cyber ??Command, said China-related cyber operations are intended to gain an advantage in the event of a major conflict with America.

Officials have warned that hackers linked to China have compromised information technology networks and have taken steps to launch cyber attacks in the event of a conflict. Their activities include securing access to key networks to enable potential disruptions such as tampering with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in server rooms and cutting off power and water supplies, US officials said earlier this year.

Beijing has repeatedly denied engaging in cyber operations targeting US infrastructure. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Adamski was speaking to researchers at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia. On Thursday, US Senator Mark Warner told the Washington Post newspaper that China's cyber intrusions into US telecommunications companies are among the most serious for this sector of the United States.

The cyber espionage operation, dubbed "Salt Typhoon", has included data theft, hacking into the infrastructure of two US presidential campaigns ahead of the November 5 election and hacking into telecommunications companies working with US law enforcement. law, FBI officials said.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity Agency are providing technical assistance and information on potential targets, according to the FBI's latest announcement on the matter.

Mr. Adamski said Friday that the US government has "executed globally synchronized activities, both offensive and defensive, that are focused on degrading and disrupting China's cyber operations around the world."

Public examples include exposure of Chinese cyber operations, sanctions, indictments, law enforcement actions and cybersecurity advisories, with data from many countries, Mr. Adamski said./ VOA