US Cyber Official Claims Chinese Hackers are Gearing Up for Conflict
According to a top American cybersecurity official, Chinese hackers are infiltrating U.S. critical infrastructure IT networks in preparation for a potential conflict with the United States. Morgan Adamski, the executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, stated that cyber operations linked to China are primarily focused on gaining an advantage in the event of a major confrontation.
There have been warnings that hackers associated with China have compromised IT networks and are ready to execute disruptive attacks if necessary. This includes accessing key networks to potentially disrupt activities such as manipulating HVAC systems in server rooms or interfering with critical energy and water controls, as reported by U.S. officials earlier this year.
Adamski made these remarks while addressing researchers at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia. Additionally, Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) recently described a suspected China-linked hack on U.S. telecommunications firms as the most severe telecom hack in U.S. history.
This cyber espionage operation, known as “Salt Typhoon,” has involved the theft of call records data, compromising communications of top officials from both major U.S. presidential campaigns before the November 5 election, and obtaining telecommunications information related to U.S. law enforcement requests, as stated by the FBI.
The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are providing technical support and information to potential targets, the bureau confirmed.
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Adamski stated that the U.S. government has engaged in globally synchronized activities, both offensive and defensive, to degrade and disrupt PRC cyber operations worldwide. These efforts include exposing operations, imposing sanctions, filing indictments, taking law enforcement actions, and issuing cybersecurity advisories with the collaboration of multiple countries, Adamski explained.
Despite these actions, Beijing consistently denies any involvement in cyber operations against U.S. entities. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
