By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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The FBI has announced that its investigation into Chinese government-sponsored cyber activities has revealed an extensive cyberespionage campaign targeting multiple U.S. telecommunications networks.
Hackers linked to Beijing have compromised the systems of telecommunications firms to access call records and intercept private communications of several U.S. individuals, particularly those engaged in government and political activities.
The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) jointly reported these findings, underscoring the campaign's broad scope. Although specific targets were not disclosed, officials noted that many individuals affected are closely tied to government and political spheres.
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Attempts to Compromise Surveillance Programs
Further investigation has revealed that the hackers sought access to data managed under U.S. law enforcement programs, including those governed by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
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This act authorizes American intelligence agencies to monitor suspected foreign agents' communications. By targeting these programs, Chinese hackers may have aimed to infiltrate sensitive government communications channels, gaining insights into U.S. surveillance efforts.
This revelation is part of a series of high-profile hacking incidents attributed to China, which U.S. authorities view as a campaign to extract sensitive technological and governmental information.
Escalation Follows Prior Attacks
The announcement follows a series of alleged Chinese cyber intrusions, including the recent Flax Typhoon operation. Unveiled in September, this hacking effort reportedly involved embedding malicious software on over 200,000 consumer devices, including cameras and routers, across the U.S.
These compromised devices were used to form a massive botnet, capable of executing cybercrimes on a wide scale. In another incident last month, hackers allegedly linked to China targeted mobile devices belonging to high-profile political figures, including Donald Trump, his running mate Sen. JD Vance, and people associated with Kamala Harris.
However, officials have not confirmed any connection between these past operations and the ongoing investigation.
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US Agencies and Telecoms Industry Bolster Defenses
In response to these threats, the FBI and CISA are collaborating with the telecommunications sector and individuals affected by the hacking campaign to enhance defenses against continued cyberespionage.
Officials noted that while investigations deepen, more information will surface about the nature and extent of these security breaches. "We expect our understanding of these compromises to grow as the investigation continues," the agencies stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance within the telecommunications sector.
This latest cyberespionage revelation places additional strain on U.S.-China relations, while American officials continue to counter escalating cyber threats from Beijing.
In response to Newsweek's request for comment, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Mr. Liu Pengyu said "In recent years, the US has compiled and spread all kinds of disinformation about the so-called Chinese hacking threats. China firmly opposes this. China's position is consistent and clear. China firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms."
The FBI's findings underscore the potential risk to national security and privacy, prompting federal agencies and companies alike to reinforce their cyber defenses to withstand increasingly sophisticated foreign attacks.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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