Chinese government-linked hackers have reportedly infiltrated multiple U.S. internet service providers in a cyber espionage campaign known as “Salt Typhoon.” This operation is the latest in a series of cyber incursions tied to Beijing’s intelligence networks, signaling a significant escalation in China’s persistent efforts to gain access to valuable American infrastructure and sensitive data.
U.S. investigators are working to understand the full extent of the breach.
Hackers appear to have infiltrated key broadband networks and possibly even gained access to Cisco routers, which handle a significant portion of global internet traffic.
Investigators suggest that the attackers’ goal was to create a foothold within U.S. broadband networks, a move that could allow them to collect sensitive data or even stage future cyberattacks.
While similar campaigns like Flax Typhoon and Volt Typhoon have been identified in the past, Salt Typhoon’s focus on internet infrastructure signals a troubling expansion of efforts to quietly establish control over critical systems.
Why It Matters: Salt Typhoon’s intrusion into U.S. internet service providers raises concerns about the vulnerabilities within the country’s critical infrastructure. The campaign highlights a persistent cyber threat from China and its ability to infiltrate critical U.S. networks that support communications, commerce, and security. Investigators suspect the hackers may have accessed core components like Cisco routers so that they could be leveraged for surveillance or other disruptive activities in the future.
- Sophisticated Espionage Campaign: Salt Typhoon targeted U.S. internet service providers to establish long-term access to broadband networks. This gives hackers access to sensitive information and positions them to potentially launch future attacks.
- Possible Router Compromise: Investigators are probing whether the attackers accessed Cisco Systems routers—critical components of the internet’s core infrastructure. A breach of such routers could allow the attackers to hijack traffic, steal data, or disrupt services.
- Strategic Focus on Critical Infrastructure: The Salt Typhoon attack is seen as part of a broader campaign targeting essential U.S. systems, from internet service providers to oil pipelines. Former U.S. officials describe the scope of this intrusion as particularly audacious.
- Heightened U.S. Concerns: U.S. officials and cybersecurity experts warn that these intrusions could escalate, potentially threatening national security. The possibility of hackers interfering with communications, transportation, and energy systems highlights the need for enhanced network defense.
Chinese Hackers Infiltrate U.S. Internet Providers in Cyber Espionage Campaign – The Hacker News
