Chinese Hackers Ready To Face Conflict, US Cybersecurity Officials Reveal Threats
JAKARTA Hackers suspected of originating from China are preparing for a potential conflict with the United States by infiltrating an important US infrastructure network. This was revealed by top US cybersecurity officials on Friday, November 22.
Morgan Adamski, Executive Director of the US Cyber Command, stated that cyber operations related to China are aimed at gaining an edge in a major conflict situation with the US.
According to US officials, hackers linked to China have successfully accessed critical information technology networks and prepared to carry out potentially disruptive attacks, such as manipulating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in the server room, or disrupting important energy and water systems.
Adamski conveyed this warning at a Cyberwarcon cybersecurity conference in Arlington, Virginia. Earlier, on Thursday, November 21, US Senator Mark Warner told the Washington Post that China's alleged hacking of US telecommunications companies was the worst in history.
According to the FBI, this cyber spy operation called "Salt Typhoon" allegedly includes theft of call records, violations of high-ranking official communications from the two main presidential campaigns before the November 5 elections, as well as telecommunication information related to requests by US law enforcement.
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The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) are currently providing technical and information assistance to potential targets.
Adamski added that the US government has launched coordinated global activities, both offensive and defensive, focused on weakening and disrupting China's cyber operations around the world. These measures include exposing operations, imposing sanctions, charges, law enforcement actions, and issuing cybersecurity advice with input from various countries.
However, Beijing routinely denies allegations of cyber operations against US entities. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment on this issue.