Chinese Hackers Eyeing Critical US Infrastructure
Authorities are investigating; no clear damage reported yet.
The US State Department has issued a warning about China's potential to launch cyberattacks on crucial infrastructure in the United States, such as oil and gas pipelines and rail systems.
Researchers have discovered a Chinese hacking group named Volt Typhoon, which is spying on these networks. The group's focus is to develop capabilities that could disrupt vital communication infrastructure between the United States and Asian regions during future crises. This news could add to the escalating tensions between China and the US, particularly regarding Taiwan and other recent issues.
Microsoft and the intelligence alliance "Five Eyes" have also accused Chinese state-sponsored hackers of carrying out attacks on critical US infrastructure. Volt Typhoon uses fileless malware and existing programs to carry out their attacks. While they haven't engaged in destructive activity, their aim is to obtain information related to US military activities.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is currently assessing the potential impact of these intrusions. Despite this, the Chinese government has dismissed these warnings as a disinformation campaign.