Chinese hackers have crippled more U.S. telecommunications companies than previously known, including Charter Communications, Consolidated Communications and Windstream, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing people close to the matter.
Hackers also exploited unpatched network devices from security vendor Fortinet and compromised large network routers from Cisco Systems, the newspaper reported.
In addition to deep breaches at AT&T and Verizon, hackers entered other networks owned by Lumen Technologies and T-Mobile, according to the report.
China has denied involvement in such actions and accused the United States of selling disinformation.
There is growing concern about the size and scope of China’s alleged hack into U.S. telecommunications networks and questions about when companies and the government will be able to provide more security for Americans.
The report also reports that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told telecommunications and technology executives at a secret White House meeting in 2023 that Chinese hackers are capable of shutting down dozens of ports, power grids and other infrastructure targets. from the USA.
Continues after advertising
The China-linked Salt Typhoon cyberespionage operation targeted AT&T and Verizon systems, but the wireless carriers’ networks in the United States are now secure as they work with law enforcement and government authorities, the companies said this week. spent on his first reconnaissance of the attacks.
