China-Linked Hackers Intercept Surveillance Data Intended for Law Enforcement
Hackers Compromise Multiple Telecom Companies
Washington: China-linked hackers have intercepted surveillance data intended for American law enforcement agencies after breaking into an unspecified number of telecom companies, U.S. authorities said on Wednesday.
Scope of the Breach
The hackers compromised the networks of "multiple telecommunications companies" and stole U.S. customer call records and communications from "a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity," according to a joint statement released by the FBI and the U.S. cyber watchdog agency CISA.
Data Stolen
The two agencies said the hackers also copied "certain information that was subject to U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders."
Limited Information Released
The statement gave few other details and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI declined to comment.
Confirmation of Previous Reports
The announcement confirms the broad outlines of previous media reports, especially those in the Wall Street Journal, that Chinese hackers were feared to have opened a back door into the interception systems used by law enforcement to surveil Americans’ telecommunications.
Targeted Individuals
That, combined with reports that Chinese hackers had targeted telephones belonging to then-presidential and vice presidential candidates Donald Trump and JD Vance, along with other senior political figures, raised widespread concern over the security of America’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Investigation Underway
The matter is already slated for investigation by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Safety Review Board, which was set up to analyze the causes and fallout of major digital security incidents.
Chinese Embassy Response
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Beijing routinely denies U.S. hacking allegations.
Conclusion
The recent breach highlights the importance of securing America’s telecommunications infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The investigation into the breach will help identify the root cause and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was affected by the breach?
A: A limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity.
Q: What information was stolen?
A: U.S. customer call records and communications.
Q: Who is responsible for the breach?
A: China-linked hackers.
Q: Is the Chinese government involved in the breach?
A: The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment, and Beijing routinely denies U.S. hacking allegations.
Q: What is being done to investigate the breach?
A: The Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Safety Review Board is investigating the breach to identify the root cause and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.