A top U.S. cybersecurity official has raised alarms about China’s cyber operations, revealing that Chinese hackers are infiltrating critical U.S. infrastructure in preparation for a potential conflict. Morgan Adamski, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, explained on Friday that these operations are intended to provide China with a strategic advantage if tensions escalate into a full-blown confrontation with the United States.
During remarks at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia, Adamski outlined the various cyber tactics being used by China to target key infrastructure. These efforts have included gaining access to systems that control energy, water, and communication networks, with the goal of enabling disruptions in the event of a conflict. Hackers have reportedly infiltrated HVAC systems in server rooms and critical energy controls, which could potentially be manipulated during a crisis.
🇺🇸🇨🇳BREAKING: CHINESE HACKERS ARE READY FOR CYBER WAR
U.S. cyber officials warn: Beijing’s hackers are deep in critical systems—power grids, water supplies, even telecoms—ready to flip the switch if conflict sparks.
Dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” they’ve stolen call data, breached… pic.twitter.com/47QwWcwntB
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 22, 2024
Chinese hackers preparing for conflict, says US cyber official https://t.co/qJRMCvBAG9 pic.twitter.com/uRAY3iATyF
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) November 22, 2024
This warning comes as the U.S. government continues to address ongoing cyber threats linked to China. The recent “Salt Typhoon” hack has been described by U.S. officials as one of the most damaging telecommunications breaches in the country’s history. The operation involved stealing sensitive telecommunications data, including personal records and communications between top officials involved in the presidential campaigns.
Chinese hackers were able to deeply penetrate U.S. telecommunications infrastructure over the past several months.
The worst part? The networks are still compromised and it may take incredibly drastic measures to boot them from U.S. systems.https://t.co/VEnviG2NIt
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) November 23, 2024
Despite China’s repeated denials of involvement in cyberattacks against U.S. entities, U.S. officials are taking decisive steps to protect against these threats. The FBI, along with CISA, has been assisting affected organizations and providing guidance on how to mitigate the impact of these cyberattacks. Additionally, the U.S. government has been working to counter China’s cyber operations through coordinated global actions, including sanctions and indictments aimed at disrupting Chinese hackers’ activities.
NSA director Gen Haugh tells me he’d like to publish a hunt guide for Salt Typhoon so companies and allies can find, oust and protect against Chinese telco hackers. That needs collective action at speed, he said at NSIF2024.https://t.co/GnImrfoWg0
— Katrina Manson (@KatrinaManson) November 20, 2024
Senator Warns Chinese Hackers "Salt Typhoon" Have Access To All U.S. Mobile Phones https://t.co/lu0MrFDXGc
— The Beach From Florida (@BeachFrmFL) November 23, 2024
The rising threat of cyberattacks underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and greater cooperation between nations to safeguard critical infrastructure. As the U.S. continues to face cyber threats from state actors like China, the role of cybersecurity in national security has never been more crucial.
