FBI suspects China-linked hackers hacked officials’ phone records and SMS messages, report says
Late last week, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were investigating “unauthorized access to telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.” At the same time, The New York Times that phones used by Donald Trump, JD Vance and Kamala Harris campaign staff were among the targets, although it was unclear what data the group may have had access to.
Now, The New York Times about the size of the hack, which is reportedly linked to a Chinese group known as “Salt Typhoon.” In accordance with The Times, Aides to President Joe Biden, and members of Trump’s family have also been targeted, in addition to politicians and other government officials. Of greater concern, however, is what hackers may have access to. From the report:
FBI investigators think the hackers may have been able to access unencrypted SMS messages on targeted devices, as well as phone logs, according to people familiar with the investigation. They said there is also evidence indicating that audio conversations were taken, although it is not yet clear if that means voice mail or phone conversations.
CISA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The agency said last week in cooperation with the FBI that the investigation is “ongoing” and that the affected companies and other potential victims have been notified. At least 10 companies, including Verizon and AT&T, were affected, according to the report The Washington Post. An AT&T spokeswoman declined to comment. Verizon did not immediately respond to questions, however The Times the company “knew that a high-level national actor had reportedly targeted multiple U.S. telecommunications providers to gather intelligence.”
Source link
