China has hacked the email accounts used by congressional staff working for key committees in the US House of Representatives, in what officials describe as a wide-ranging cyber-espionage operation dubbed 'Salt Typhoon'.&nbsp;According to people familiar with the attack, Chinese intelligence gained access to email systems used by staffers on the House China Committee, as well as aides linked to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Intelligence Committee, and Armed Services Committee. The intruders were discovered in December.&nbsp;The incident is part of a broader, ongoing cyber campaign targeting US communications networks that is attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security. However, sources said it remains unclear whether the hackers were able to access the personal email accounts of lawmakers themselves, according to a report by The Financial Times.<h3>MSS operates Salt Typhoon</h3>Salt Typhoon has been operated by the MSS for several years, which allows China to access the unencrypted phone calls, texts and voicemails of almost every American. Additionally, it also enables access to email accounts in certain cases. The source also indicated that Salt Typhoon has also intercepted the calls of senior US officials for several years.&nbsp;Former President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated that last year, after leaving the White House that US telecom companies were “highly vulnerable” to Salt Typhoon. It is one of many cyber espionage efforts by the People’s Liberation Army and Chinese intelligence that target US infrastructure.&nbsp;The FBI and other US agencies said in 2024 that a state-sponsored hacking group of China that has been dubbed Volt Typhoon had entered into the US energy, transportation and communications systems to help them in the case of a conflict with America.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-us-out-of-66-organisations-and-treaties-including-india-led-international-solar-alliance-1767847347430">Trump pulls US out of 66 organisations and treaties, including India-led International Solar Alliance | FULL LIST HERE</a>

The incident is part of a broader, ongoing cyber campaign targeting US communications networks that is attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security. However, sources said it remains unclear whether the hackers were able to access the personal email accounts of lawmakers themselves.

China has hacked the email accounts used by congressional staff working for key committees in the US House of Representatives, in what officials describe as a wide-ranging cyber-espionage operation dubbed 'Salt Typhoon'. According to people familiar with the attack, Chinese intelligence gained access to email systems used by staffers on the House China Committee, as well as aides linked to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Intelligence Committee, and Armed Services Committee. The intruders were discovered in December. The incident is part of a broader, ongoing cyber campaign targeting US communications networks that is attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security. However, sources said it remains unclear whether the hackers were able to access the personal email accounts of lawmakers themselves, according to a report by The Financial Times. MSS operates Salt Typhoon Salt Typhoon has been operated by the MSS for several years, which allows China to access the unencrypted phone calls, texts and voicemails of almost every American. Additionally, it also enables access to email accounts in certain cases. The source also indicated that Salt Typhoon has also intercepted the calls of senior US officials for several years. Former President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated that last year, after leaving the White House that US telecom companies were “highly vulnerable” to Salt Typhoon. It is one of many cyber espionage efforts by the People’s Liberation Army and Chinese intelligence that target US infrastructure. The FBI and other US agencies said in 2024 that a state-sponsored hacking group of China that has been dubbed Volt Typhoon had entered into the US energy, transportation and communications systems to help them in the case of a conflict with America. Also read: Trump pulls US out of 66 organisations and treaties, including India-led International Solar Alliance | FULL LIST HERE

The incident is part of a broader, ongoing cyber campaign targeting US communications networks that is attributed to China’s Ministry of State Security. However, sources said it remains unclear whether the hackers were able to access the personal email accounts of lawmakers themselves.

‘Salt Typhoon’: China hacks emails of US congressional staff in major cyber-espionage case

Years of cyberattacks, specifically a major campaign called Salt Typhoon, may have given Chinese intelligence agencies data on practically all Americans, according to a New York Times report. These attacks, which have been ongoing for years, targeted more than 80 countries and infiltrated major telecommunications companies, allowing China to track the US and other countries, according to the report that cited American intelligence sources and officials. The hackers reportedly targeted President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during their campaign days, as well as Democratic politicians.<h2>Chinese hacking of Americans is not new, but…</h2>China has been hacking American power grids and companies to steal sensitive data and intellectual property for years. But the Salt Typhoon hack is considered the most ambitious and extensive from China yet, the NYT report claimed, citing officials who said it reflected China’s cyber capabilities rivalling those of the US and its allies.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caution-hackers-mimicking-us-officials-by-using-ai-voice-messages-fbi-warns-they-are-trying-to-break-into-systems-9075954">Also read: Hackers mimicking US officials by using AI-voice messages, FBI warns they are trying to break into systems</a><h2>The Salt Typhoon attack: A coordinated, years-long penetration</h2>The report described the Salt Typhoon attack as a coordinated, years-long assault that penetrated telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military sector networks worldwide. British and American officials labelled it “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate.” The US, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain condemned the Chinese government’s role.The report quoted Cynthia Kaiser, former FBI cyber division official, as saying, “I can’t imagine any American was spared given the breadth of the campaign.”<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-based-hacker-group-targets-india-again-claims-military-data-theft-idsa-denies-breach-9037739">Also read: 'WE KNOW HOW YOU THINK': Pakistan-based hacker group targets India again, claims military data theft; IDSA denies breach</a><h2>Were all Americans’ data collected deliberately by Chinese hackers?</h2>As per the NYT report, it is not clear if ordinary Americans’ data was specifically targeted or collected accidentally.&nbsp;But the Salt Typhoon cyber offensive covered a broader scope than past Chinese hacks, which focused narrowly on security personnel or sensitive government workers.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-robert-iran-linked-hackers-claim-to-have-100-gb-of-trump-aides-emails-threaten-to-sell-them-explained-1751356472532">Also read: Who is ‘ROBERT’? Iran-linked hackers claim to have 100 GB of Trump aides’ emails, threaten to sell them | Explained</a><h2>A new era of cyberattacks: Sophisticated, patient, and persistent</h2>According to the report, Salt Typhoon represents Chinese cyber operations that deeply infiltrate global infrastructure in a systematic and consistent way. It quoted Jennifer Ewbank, former CIA deputy director for digital innovation, as saying that “Salt Typhoon marks a new chapter” compared to a decade ago when Chinese hacks used rudimentary techniques.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/allianz-life-hack-exposes-data-of-most-us-clients-fbi-steps-in-1753608505963">Also read: Allianz Life hack exposes data of most US clients, FBI steps in</a><h2>From China tech firms to intel agencies: Who is behind China’s hacking of Americans?</h2>Reports have indicated that at least three China-based technology companies have been linked to the hacks, working for Chinese military and intelligence agencies since at least 2019.The aim of the hacks was to identify and track their targets’ communications and movements around the world, including those of Trump and other leaders.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/globalx-airline-used-for-trump-deportations-hacked-report-9041221/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/globalx-airline-used-for-trump-deportations-hacked-report-9041221/embed</a><h2>At least six US telecom companies were breached in Chinese hacks</h2>At least six US telecommunications companies were infiltrated by the hackers, who exploited old network vulnerabilities. The hackers also entered the networks of lodging and transportation companies. Companies like Marriott, health insurers, and the US Office of Personnel Management have been targeted by the hackers. In 2021, the Biden administration accused China of breaching Microsoft email systems. Russia has also conducted state-sponsored hacks. Western countries’ responses to Salt Typhoon remain unclear. According to Senator Mark Warner, top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, the hackers could “listen in on telephone conversations and read unencrypted text messages.”<h2>Why would Chinese hackers need data from all Americans?</h2>The strategy could be to collect vast data sets over years for eventual exploitation, the NYT report cited cybersecurity expert Jamie MacColl as saying. “If you’re a cyber power, then it makes sense you would want to compromise the global communications network.”Salt Typhoon is more than a one-off intelligence success for China, according to Anne Neuberger, a Biden administration cybersecurity official. It “reflected a deeper, troubling reality” of China positioning “to dominate the digital battle space.” &nbsp;

A major Chinese cyberattack campaign called Salt Typhoon reportedly compromised data from nearly all Americans, infiltrating global telecoms, government, and infrastructure networks. This is a new warfare: years-long, patient, widespread and consistent attack on cyber infrastructure 

Years of cyberattacks, specifically a major campaign called Salt Typhoon, may have given Chinese intelligence agencies data on practically all Americans, according to a New York Times report. These attacks, which have been ongoing for years, targeted more than 80 countries and infiltrated major telecommunications companies, allowing China to track the US and other countries, according to the report that cited American intelligence sources and officials. The hackers reportedly targeted President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during their campaign days, as well as Democratic politicians. Chinese hacking of Americans is not new, but… China has been hacking American power grids and companies to steal sensitive data and intellectual property for years. But the Salt Typhoon hack is considered the most ambitious and extensive from China yet, the NYT report claimed, citing officials who said it reflected China’s cyber capabilities rivalling those of the US and its allies. Also read: Hackers mimicking US officials by using AI-voice messages, FBI warns they are trying to break into systems The Salt Typhoon attack: A coordinated, years-long penetration The report described the Salt Typhoon attack as a coordinated, years-long assault that penetrated telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military sector networks worldwide. British and American officials labelled it “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate.” The US, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain condemned the Chinese government’s role. The report quoted Cynthia Kaiser, former FBI cyber division official, as saying, “I can’t imagine any American was spared given the breadth of the campaign.” Also read: 'WE KNOW HOW YOU THINK': Pakistan-based hacker group targets India again, claims military data theft; IDSA denies breach Were all Americans’ data collected deliberately by Chinese hackers? As per the NYT report, it is not clear if ordinary Americans’ data was specifically targeted or collected accidentally. But the Salt Typhoon cyber offensive covered a broader scope than past Chinese hacks, which focused narrowly on security personnel or sensitive government workers. Also read: Who is ‘ROBERT’? Iran-linked hackers claim to have 100 GB of Trump aides’ emails, threaten to sell them | Explained A new era of cyberattacks: Sophisticated, patient, and persistent According to the report, Salt Typhoon represents Chinese cyber operations that deeply infiltrate global infrastructure in a systematic and consistent way. It quoted Jennifer Ewbank, former CIA deputy director for digital innovation, as saying that “Salt Typhoon marks a new chapter” compared to a decade ago when Chinese hacks used rudimentary techniques. Also read: Allianz Life hack exposes data of most US clients, FBI steps in From China tech firms to intel agencies: Who is behind China’s hacking of Americans? Reports have indicated that at least three China-based technology companies have been linked to the hacks, working for Chinese military and intelligence agencies since at least 2019. The aim of the hacks was to identify and track their targets’ communications and movements around the world, including those of Trump and other leaders. https://www.wionews.com/videos/globalx-airline-used-for-trump-deportations-hacked-report-9041221/embed At least six US telecom companies were breached in Chinese hacks At least six US telecommunications companies were infiltrated by the hackers, who exploited old network vulnerabilities. The hackers also entered the networks of lodging and transportation companies. Companies like Marriott, health insurers, and the US Office of Personnel Management have been targeted by the hackers. In 2021, the Biden administration accused China of breaching Microsoft email systems. Russia has also conducted state-sponsored hacks. Western countries’ responses to Salt Typhoon remain unclear. According to Senator Mark Warner, top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, the hackers could “listen in on telephone conversations and read unencrypted text messages.” Why would Chinese hackers need data from all Americans? The strategy could be to collect vast data sets over years for eventual exploitation, the NYT report cited cybersecurity expert Jamie MacColl as saying. “If you’re a cyber power, then it makes sense you would want to compromise the global communications network.” Salt Typhoon is more than a one-off intelligence success for China, according to Anne Neuberger, a Biden administration cybersecurity official. It “reflected a deeper, troubling reality” of China positioning “to dominate the digital battle space.”

A major Chinese cyberattack campaign called Salt Typhoon reportedly compromised data from nearly all Americans, infiltrating global telecoms, government, and infrastructure networks. This is a new warfare: years-long, patient, widespread and consistent attack on cyber infrastructure&nbsp;

China has stolen data on all Americans? Salt Typhoon cyberattacks are a goldmine for Beijing's intelligence agencies, claims report

Chinese state-linked hackers reportedly intercepted calls and text messages involving prominent US political figures, including a Trump campaign adviser, reported by The Washington Post on Sunday.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1754}">Salt Typhoon</h2>

This espionage operation, allegedly led by a hacker group known as Salt Typhoon, has targeted campaign staff from both the Republican and Democratic parties.&nbsp;

According to the Post report, the security breach reportedly targeted phones linked to former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2024-is-proxy-voting-allowed-all-you-need-to-know-771082">US elections 2024: Is proxy voting allowed? All you need to know</a>

Previously, news agency Reuters on Friday reported that Chinese hackers targeted people affiliated with the campaign of Democratic Party candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.&nbsp;

This significant breach in US telecommunications security so close to the 2024 US elections has raised concerns about information integrity.

On Friday, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said they were actively investigating, with preliminary findings pointing to unauthorised access to at least 10 major US carriers including Verizon AT&amp;T, Lumen and potentially others.

The hackers reportedly accessed unencrypted communications, including audio calls, text messages, and phone logs. &nbsp;

While both campaigns were informed last week of the intrusion, the FBI has not confirmed whether the hackers accessed specific call content.&nbsp;

As per the report citing two people familiar with the matter, the number of victims identified to date stands at fewer than 100. However, more names may yet emerge as the investigation continues. The relatively low number of victim count, as per the report citing a former senior US cyber operations official, may be because hackers saw the victims and the access they have, as "exquisite" and highly valuable.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:594,&quot;w&quot;:702,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-harris-pledges-to-prosecute-trump-in-10-days-as-michelle-obama-voices-genuine-fear-771042">US Election: Harris pledges to 'prosecute' Trump 'in 10 days' as Michelle Obama voices 'genuine fear'</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:648,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2334}">Trump campaign blames Harris</h2>

The Trump campaign has sought to blame the White House and Harris's team for allowing a foreign adversary to infiltrate US companies to target the campaign.

US authorities have convened a "unified coordination group" and a public-private Cyber Safety Review Board to conduct a thorough investigation.&nbsp;

The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied knowledge of the hacking operations, reiterating China's stance against cyber intrusions.

On Friday, the FBI in a joint release with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency publicly confirmed the breach for the first time and said: "The US government is investigating the unauthorised access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China".

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese state-linked hackers reportedly intercepted calls and text messages involving prominent US political figures, including a Trump campaign adviser, reported by The Washington Post on Sunday.

Chinese state-linked hackers reportedly intercepted calls and text messages involving prominent US political figures, including a Trump campaign adviser, reported by The Washington Post on Sunday. Salt Typhoon This espionage operation, allegedly led by a hacker group known as Salt Typhoon, has targeted campaign staff from both the Republican and Democratic parties. According to the Post report, the security breach reportedly targeted phones linked to former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance. Also read | US elections 2024: Is proxy voting allowed? All you need to know Previously, news agency Reuters on Friday reported that Chinese hackers targeted people affiliated with the campaign of Democratic Party candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. This significant breach in US telecommunications security so close to the 2024 US elections has raised concerns about information integrity. On Friday, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said they were actively investigating, with preliminary findings pointing to unauthorised access to at least 10 major US carriers including Verizon AT&T, Lumen and potentially others. The hackers reportedly accessed unencrypted communications, including audio calls, text messages, and phone logs. While both campaigns were informed last week of the intrusion, the FBI has not confirmed whether the hackers accessed specific call content. As per the report citing two people familiar with the matter, the number of victims identified to date stands at fewer than 100. However, more names may yet emerge as the investigation continues. The relatively low number of victim count, as per the report citing a former senior US cyber operations official, may be because hackers saw the victims and the access they have, as "exquisite" and highly valuable. Also read | US Election: Harris pledges to 'prosecute' Trump 'in 10 days' as Michelle Obama voices 'genuine fear' Trump campaign blames Harris The Trump campaign has sought to blame the White House and Harris's team for allowing a foreign adversary to infiltrate US companies to target the campaign. US authorities have convened a "unified coordination group" and a public-private Cyber Safety Review Board to conduct a thorough investigation. The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied knowledge of the hacking operations, reiterating China's stance against cyber intrusions. On Friday, the FBI in a joint release with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency publicly confirmed the breach for the first time and said: "The US government is investigating the unauthorised access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China". (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese hackers allegedly intercept calls, texts of Trump, Harris campaigns ahead of 2024 US election

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‘Salt Typhoon’: China hacks emails of US congressional staff in major cyber-espionage case

China has data on all Americans? Salt Typhoon cyberattacks a goldmine for...

Chinese hackers allegedly intercept calls, texts of Trump, Harris campaigns ahead of 2024 US election