Chinese Hackers Breach US Court Systems, Access Sensitive Data

Recent reports indicate that Chinese hackers have infiltrated U.S. broadband networks, obtaining sensitive information from systems used for court-authorized wiretapping. According to the Wall Street Journal, the intrusion has affected major telecom companies, including Verizon Communications, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies.

The hacking group is suspected of maintaining access for months, targeting network infrastructure that facilitates the collection of communications data mandated by U.S. courts. The attack has raised serious concerns about national security, as it could potentially allow unauthorized monitoring of communications linked to federal investigations.

In response to these allegations, China’s foreign ministry stated that they were unaware of the reported attack and dismissed it as a “false narrative” created by the U.S. government. The ministry claimed such narratives only hinder international cooperation in addressing cybersecurity issues, emphasizing that cybersecurity should be a common concern for all nations.

U.S. investigators have identified the hacking group responsible for the breach as “Salt Typhoon.” This follows earlier disruptions by U.S. law enforcement targeting Chinese hacking groups known as “Flax Typhoon” and “Volt Typhoon,” both involved in extensive cyber espionage activities.

The implications of this breach extend beyond just corporate networks, as the potential access to wiretap systems poses a significant threat to U.S. intelligence operations. Experts warn that ongoing vulnerabilities in the telecom infrastructure could jeopardize the security of critical communications.

Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies have not yet commented on the breach, leaving many questions about the extent of the damage and how it will affect their operations and national security protocols in the future.