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Hacking & intrusion

China-linked hackers allegedly breach US telecoms and access wiretap systems

First reported · Last reported · 13 related reports

It emerged in September 2024 that the China-linked hacking group Salt Typhoon had breached US internet and telecoms providers. Authorities launched an investigation into suspected intrusions into US government wiretap systems and intelligence gathering. In October, phones used by Trump and Vance were also identified as targets, and the US Department of Homeland Security decided to investigate the related telecoms hacks.

Key facts

Affected organisation
Being confirmed
Incident type
Hacking & intrusion
Occurred / detected
Not confirmed
Scale of damage
Breach of multiple US telecoms operators
Cause / method
Network intrusion by China-linked hacking group Salt Typhoon
Location
United States

Timeline

  1. A breach of US internet providers by the China-linked group Salt Typhoon was reported.
  2. An investigation into suspected intrusions into US government wiretap systems and intelligence gathering was carried out.
  3. The US National Security Agency investigated hacks of three telecoms operators.
  4. The US House select committee on China demanded explanations of the breaches from affected companies.
  5. Phones used by Trump and Vance were identified as targets of Chinese hackers.
  6. The US Department of Homeland Security decided to investigate the related telecoms hacks.

13 related reports

The summary and key facts are written by AI from related reports and may contain errors. Check the original articles and the organisation’s official statements for accurate details.