Major Chinese telecom hack exposes critical vulnerabilities in US networks

A sophisticated Chinese hacking operation has compromised major US telecommunications networks, potentially exposing sensitive communications and revealing serious vulnerabilities in America's aging infrastructure, according to multiple news sources and government officials, reports the New York Times.

The hack, attributed to a group called "Salt Typhoon" linked to China's Ministry of State Security, gained access to telecommunications systems nationwide, including the Justice Department's "lawful intercept" wiretap system. While encrypted communications remained secure, the breach allowed access to unencrypted texts and calls, with particular focus on targets in the Washington, DC, area.

Senator Mark Warner, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, described it as "the worst telecom hack in our nation's history,” according to the Washington Post. The intrusion was so severe that President Biden raised it directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their recent meeting in Peru.

The vulnerability stems largely from America's aging telecommunications infrastructure, with some systems dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. Industry experts note that comprehensive upgrades could cause significant service disruptions and require massive investment.