Chinese Salt Typhoon Cyberespionage Targeted AT&T, Verizon

Chinese Salt Typhoon Cyberespionage Targeted AT&T, Verizon

The Chinese-linked Salt Typhoon cyberespionage operation targeted AT&T and Verizon’s systems, prompting the wireless carriers to issue statements acknowledging the attacks for the first time on Saturday. Both companies emphasized that their U.S. networks are now secure, as they actively collaborate with law enforcement and government officials.

AT&T’s Response

AT&T reported that its investigation revealed that the People’s Republic of China had targeted a limited number of individuals of foreign intelligence interest. While few cases of compromised information were identified, the company stated that it is monitoring and remediating its networks to safeguard customer data. AT&T continues to engage with authorities to assess and mitigate the threat.

Verizon’s Containment

Verizon declared that it has contained the activities associated with the Salt Typhoon incident after addressing the issue extensively. An independent and reputable cybersecurity firm has confirmed this containment. Verizon’s Chief Legal Officer emphasized that no threat actor activity has been detected in its network for some time.

US Officials’ Concerns

On Friday, U.S. officials added a ninth unnamed telecom company to the list of entities compromised by the Salt Typhoon hackers. Officials raised concerns that the Chinese involved possessed broad and full access to networks, allowing them to “geolocate millions of individuals, to record phone calls at will.” The U.S. Department of Defense and the Federal Communications Commission refrained from immediate comment.

Chinese Officials’ Denial

Chinese officials have previously denounced the allegations as disinformation, reiterating Beijing’s stance against cyberattacks and cyber theft in all forms. They have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the company statements.

Target Profile

The Salt Typhoon operation reportedly targeted Verizon, AT&T, Lumen, and other telecom companies, resulting in the theft of telephone audio intercepts and a substantial amount of call record data. Targets included officials affiliated with both the Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump presidential campaigns.

Call for Enhanced Security

In light of the cyberattack, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urged senior government and political figures to transition to end-to-end encrypted apps for mobile communications on December 18.

Congressional Reactions

During a December 11 hearing, Democratic Senator Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico described Salt Typhoon as “the largest telecommunications hack in our nation’s history.” Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas stressed the need to address any vulnerabilities in communications networks. Concerns persist about the magnitude and scope of the Chinese hacking incident, and the timeframe for assuring Americans about its resolution remains uncertain.