FBI uncovers vast espionage effort by Chinese hackers

2024-11-14 20:23:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

A federal investigation into the Chinese government's efforts to penetrate US telecommunications networks has uncovered a "broad and significant" cyberespionage campaign aimed at stealing information from US citizens who work for the government or who are in politics, the the FBI on Wednesday.

Hackers linked to Beijing have compromised the networks of multiple telecommunications companies with the goal of obtaining customer phone records, gaining access to private communications of "a limited number of individuals," according to a joint statement released by the FBI. and the federal agency on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure.

The FBI did not identify any of the individuals targeted by the Chinese hackers, but said most of them "are primarily involved in government or political activities."

FBI officials also suggested that the hackers may have tried to compromise programs such as those subject to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The latter gives US spy agencies sweeping powers to monitor the communications of individuals suspected of being agents of a foreign power.

The warning comes after several hacking cases involving prominent figures that US authorities have linked to China. Officials say they are part of an effort to steal technology and government information, while also targeting vital infrastructure such as the power grid.

In September, the FBI announced that it had blocked a major Chinese hacking operation known as 'Flax Typhoon', which involved installing malicious software on more than 200,000 computer devices, including cameras and video recorders.

The devices were then used to create a massive network of infected computers that could be used to commit other cyber crimes.

Last month, officials said hackers linked to China had targeted the phones of Mr. Trump, then a presidential candidate, and Sen. JD Vance, a vice-presidential candidate, along with the phones of people associated with Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Authorities did not provide details on how or if the cases released Wednesday are connected to previous hacking campaigns.

In their statement Wednesday, the FBI and the federal agency on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure said officials are working with the telecommunications industry and those who have fallen victim to hacking to effectively counter ongoing cyber espionage efforts.

China has rejected accusations by US officials of involvement in cyber espionage. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to a request for comment made on Wednesday on the matter./ Voa